Cleveland is shaking things up in their outfield, as they’ve decided to make a change. On Monday, they promoted outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from Triple-A Columbus, while designating outfielder Ramón Laureano for assignment. Rodriguez, ranked as the club’s No. 16 prospect by MLB Pipeline, joins the team amid hopes for a fresh perspective.
Manager Stephen Vogt explained that the decision was a necessary one for both parties, though not an easy choice. Laureano’s performance this season has been lackluster, batting just .143 with a .494 OPS in 31 games. Despite his value as a right-handed option off the bench and his defensive contributions, the team saw no signs of improvement, prompting the switch.
Welcome to Cleveland, J-Rod! 🫡#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/sl09QoLWvb
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 20, 2024
Enter Rodriguez, who emerged as a standout candidate from Triple-A Columbus. While both Rodriguez and Daniel Schneemann were considered, Rodriguez’s presence on the 40-man roster and his right-handed batting stance made him the preferred choice. Additionally, Rodriguez’s strong performance in Triple-A, highlighted by a .299 batting average, a .892 OPS, and seven home runs in 39 games, solidified his promotion.
Vogt expressed excitement about Rodriguez’s arrival, noting his consistent hitting and defensive skills. Despite a recent slump, Rodriguez’s overall performance has impressed the team, showcasing his potential to contribute positively.
Selected in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Rodriguez has established himself as a power hitter within the organization, displaying significant home run numbers in previous minor league seasons. While his strikeouts have been notable, his increased patience at the plate in recent years suggests growth and development. With the Guardians prioritizing the evaluation of their prospects, Rodriguez now has the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities at the major league level.
Vogt believes Rodriguez is prepared for the challenge, emphasizing the organization’s confidence in his readiness. Reflecting on Rodriguez’s journey and his response to the team’s expectations, Vogt sees him as a promising asset for the future.
