Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Franco Aleman speaks with reporters before a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

The Cleveland Guardians called up one of their top relief-pitching prospects on Friday.

Righty Franco Aleman will be a part of the Guardians bullpen this weekend as they continue a series with the Minnesota Twins.

To make room for Aleman, Connor Brogdan was designated for assignment.

Aleman is 25 years old, he’s 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds and was a 10th-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft out of the University of Florida.

In 13 games with the Columbus Clippers, the Guardians’ Triple-A affiliate, he allowed just one earned run on three hits and four walks. He struck out 18 batters in 12 innings.

Aleman started to make a name for himself in 2024, when he logged a 1.99 ERA in 22 2/3 innings over 24 appearances with Columbus.

He started the 2025 season on the injured list after having hip surgery. The delay led to some struggles last year.

In 37 appearances this past season, Aleman had a 7.85 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 24 walks in 36 2/3 innings over 37 appearances.

The Guardians signed Brogdan as a free agent on Dec. 3.

In 15 games for Cleveland this season, he posted a 5.28 ERA in 15 appearances. In 15 1/3 innings of work, he gave up five home runs and struck out 14. On Thursday, he was taken deep twice in 1 1/3 innings of relief against the Kansas City Royals.