The Cleveland Guardians have had some issues with their middle infielders this season.
Brayan Rocchio was recently demoted due to his bad play, Gabriel Arias has been wildly inconsistent, and others have either failed to lock up a spot or have been used at other positions or in super-utility duty.
The Guardians, however, could be close to having a solid option available to plug at second base: Juan Brito.
After going down in late April with a torn ligament on his thumb, the young prospect has been rehabbing after needing surgery to repair the issue.
He is now ready to start playing in rehab games, though.
“Look for Juan Brito to start his rehab assignment Thursday night in the Arizona Complex League,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Look for Juan Brito to start his rehab assignment Thursday night in the Arizona Complex League. https://t.co/xlZ2vbqJr8
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 12, 2025
The Guardians announced that Brito, left-hander Michael Kennedy, and outfielder Carlos Gutierrez were all assigned to the Complex League to begin their rehab assignments.
Brito still hasn’t seen time in the majors but was supposed to be the favorite to win the second base job in the spring before a bad start in the Cactus League relegated him to the minors again.
There is plenty of talent in his right-handed bat, though.
He posted a 115 wRC+ with 21 home runs, 40 doubles, and 13 stolen bases last year with Columbus, and was off to an even better start this year with a 137 wRC+ before getting hurt.
He is still seen as the future of the Guardians’ infield together with Travis Bazzana, and if his thumb can return to his pre-surgery form, he should be able to earn a promotion in a few weeks.
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