Guardians' Johnathan Rodriguez: Drives in go-ahead run
Rotowire
Rodriguez went 1-for-3 with a walk and one RBI in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Mets.
Rodriguez went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his major-league debut Tuesday. He was in the lineup again Wednesday and delivered his first hit, an RBI single, in the seventh inning to put the Guardians ahead, 4-3. The outfield prospect slashed .276/.389/.449 with seven homers and 28 RBI over 43 games at Triple-A Columbus prior to his call-up. Rodriguez has started the last two games in right field, pushing Estevan Florial and Will Brennan to left field. The Guardians' outfield remains crowded, but Rodriguez at least has a chance to make an impression before Steven Kwan (hamstring) returns.
... See More... See Less
Guardians' Johnathan Rodriguez: Making MLB debut Tuesday
Rotowire
Rodriguez is starting in right field and batting seventh Tuesday against the Mets.
The 24-year-old was called up from Triple-A Columbus on Monday and will make his MLB debut for Cleveland a day later. Rodriguez posted a .276/.389/.449 slash line with seven homers through 43 games for Columbus this season, and he could carve out a regular role given the Guardians' lack of offensive production from their outfield this year.
... See More... See Less
Guardians' Johnathan Rodriguez: Receives first major-league call-up
Rotowire
The Guardians recalled Rodriguez from Triple-A Columbus on Monday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.
He's taking the roster spot vacated by Ramon Laureano, who was designated for assignment. Rodriguez, 24, has slashed .276/.389/.449 with seven home runs and four stolen bases this season with Columbus. The Guardians have been desperate for production from any outfielder not named Steven Kwan this season, and Kwan is currently out with a hamstring injury, so it's possible Rodriguez will get a long look. He will be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.
... See More... See Less
Guardians' Johnathan Rodriguez: Sent down to minors
Rotowire
The Guardians optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.
Rodriguez was added to the 40-man roster this offseason following a big season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus in 2023. He could get a look at some point in 2024 but will start the new season in Columbus.
... See More... See Less
Guardians' Johnathan Rodriguez: Added to 40-man roster
Rotowire
The Guardians added Rodriguez to their 40-man roster Friday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.
Rodriguez slashed .286/.368/.529 with 29 home runs and 88 RBI between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus in 2023. The slugging outfield prospect will likely return to Triple-A to begin next season, but he could ascend to the big leagues quickly if he continues to light up minor-league pitchers.
... See More... See Less
Guardians' Johnathan Rodriguez: Mashing in upper levels
Rotowire
Rodriguez is hitting .285 with 10 home runs and a 33.5 percent strikeout rate in 42 games since getting promoted to Triple-A Columbus.
A prospect of note several years ago, Rodriguez has put himself back on the radar this year after underwhelming (79 wRC+) at an age-appropriate level (Double-A) in 2022. Given that Rodriguez is destined for right field, the bar for him to clear against big-league pitching will be high, but he hit 28 homers with a .288 average and a .369 OBP while registering an elite 35.2 percent hard-hit rate across Double-A and Triple-A this year. He will need to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason if the Guardians want to protect him from the Rule 5 draft heading into his age-24 season.
