The Cleveland Guardians have found success with some of their young players this year.
Tyler Freeman is doing his best in center field, Daniel Schneemann is impressing all around the diamond, and Cade Smith has become a key cog in the bullpen.
Cleveland, however, still has many talented position players in the minors who could make an impact: Jhonkensy Noel, Juan Brito, Jose Tena, Johnathan Rodriguez, and their most recent call-up: Angel Martinez.
“Adding an Angel to the infield. Welcome to The Show!” the Guardians tweeted, greeting the newest member of the team.
Adding an Angel to the infield. 😇
Welcome to The Show!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/OlMbxNBkki
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 21, 2024
The 22-year-old Martinez opened the year on the shelf with a right foot contusion, and later suffered a hamate injury on his hand.
That’s why he has been limited to 20 games: three in the Complex League and 17 in Triple-A Columbus.
In those 17 games in Triple-A, Martinez has impressed and convinced the organization that it’s time for him to get a shot in MLB.
He is slashing .333/.438/.550 with three homers, two steals, a 14.9 percent walk rate and a 12.2 percent strikeout rate in Columbus.
He is up to fight for a spot on the infield, and Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio could see their playing time diminish if they don’t start consistently producing.
Martinez is capable of playing second base and shortstop, and has as much upside, if not more, than some of the Guardians young infielders.
It will be Martinez’s debut in the majors.
He is one of the most promising prospects on the Guardians system, and now that he is healthy, the team is ready to challenge him.
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