The Cleveland Guardians are slowly getting healthier. Their superstar, Jose Ramirez, returned to action a couple of days ago and already made an impact at the plate.
Now, it’s Angel Martinez’s turn. The breakout performer, who had been out with a foot issue since June 13, has been activated from the injured list ahead of the series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Moves for today. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/zp9NVYgWEr
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) July 24, 2026
Martinez has been very solid for Cleveland this season, hitting from both sides of the plate and covering the outfield with aplomb. He is hitting .239/.276/.442 with a 98 wRC+, 11 home runs, nine stolen bases, and a 0.9 fWAR this year.
To accommodate the switch-hitting outfielder, however, the Guardians had to make a very difficult decision: optioning Daniel Schneemann to Triple-A Columbus. The versatile 29-year-old enjoyed an amazing start, but his offensive contributions have slipped in recent months and he is currently hitting a mediocre .206/.275/.321 with a 69 wRC+ in 2026.
Sending Schneemann to Columbus couldn’t have been easy for Cleveland because he always plays hard and can cover multiple positions across the diamond. The Guardians, however, opted for that option instead of the two potential alternatives: sending Petey Halpin down or designating Gabriel Arias for assignment.
Halpin has a rough 51 wRC+ for the season, but is hitting a much better .286/.300/.571 (134 wRC+) with two homers and three stolen bases since July 11. Additionally, he can contribute on defense and on the basepaths.
The Guardians also activated left-handed reliever Tim Herrin after a brief rehab assignment. The southpaw, who boasts a 3.06 ERA in 32.1 innings this year, had been on the shelf since July 8, when he was struck in the arm by a comebacker.
His return represents a boost for the Guardians’ bullpen, as Erik Sabrowski is still working to regain his form. Herrin gives the unit another reliable lefty.
Dion has potential and will surely be back at some point this season when the team needs another lefty. His 5.17 ERA was rather disappointing, yes, but his 3.81 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and 2.99 xFIP hint at him being much better than his ERA suggests.
He will keep his arm fresh in Triple-A for the time being.
NEXT: Angel Martinez Sends 5-Word Message About His Looming Return
