Cleveland Guardians prospect George Valera, who was on track for a possible call-up in 2024 or early 2025, suffered a potentially serious injury this week.
While attempting to make a play in right field, Valera jumped for a ball but landed awkwardly and had to be carted off the field.
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Cleveland baseball reporter Guardians Prospective provided an update on Valera’s condition on Wednesday, noting that the team is waiting for MRI results to assess the injury’s severity.
“Valera is awaiting MRI results for his right knee,” the reporter shared on X.
Valera is currently awaiting MRI results he had taken on his right knee. https://t.co/lkNtz8M2OV
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) September 11, 2024
At the very least, Valera is expected to spend some time on the injured list. However, if the MRI reveals a torn ACL or other significant knee damage, it could sideline him for the rest of the season and potentially impact part of his 2025 season, depending on the recovery time.
The Guardians can only wait for the MRI results to determine the next steps.
Valera had been having a strong season with Triple-A Columbus, posting a .248/.337/.452 line with 17 home runs in 90 games. He had a 103 wRC+, slightly above league average, although he struck out in 27% of his plate appearances.
At 23 years old, Valera still has time to develop and reach his potential, and the hope is that this knee injury will not be a major setback.
