There is a mild sense of panic starting to surround the Cleveland Guardians. While there’s never a good time to lose a top player to injuries, to say nothing of losing three at the same time, to do so right before a nine-game road trip against good teams heightens the cause for concern.
Now, after a walk-off loss to the Chicago White Sox that re-created a first-place tie in the AL Central, calls are coming to make a move well before the trade deadline of Aug. 3. Even though Chase DeLauter, Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez will eventually return from the injured list, the Guardians can’t afford to continue a slide that has resulted in 11 losses in their past 16 games.
That is why analyst Tony Rizzo is making a strong plea to the Guardians’ front office to add a veteran hitter rather than relying on minor-league call-ups who may not be ready for the challenge.
“Guards president Chris Antonetti, general manager Mike Chernoff, make my deal now. You can’t bring these Triple-A kids up and expect them to play in the majors in a pennant race. They’re not ready yet. You’re rushing guys because you have a bunch of injuries. I know the injuries, I know, but they’re gonna come back. We’re hoping to get DeLauter back maybe next week. ‘Hosey’ (Ramirez) will be back ASAP. You know him. Let’s make a deal. I need a professional hitter. Somebody with a proven track record that’s going to hit over .250 and not strike out and try to jack home runs every five at-bats,” Rizzo said.
Rizz says it's time for the Guardians to go out and trade for a big bat.
"Let's make a deal, I need a professional hitter"
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/ImRMGkH6Hv
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 23, 2026
Since the beginning of the season, the Guardians have promoted Juan Brito, Travis Bazzana, Petey Halpin, Stuart Fairchild and Khalil Watson from Triple-A Columbus. Some, like Brito, did not work out, while others, like Bazzana, have exceeded even the highest expectations.
With outfielder Steven Kwan and first baseman Kyle Manzardo having disappointing seasons, and utilityman Daniel Schneemann falling off considerably after a very good start, the Guardians’ offense has been struggling to score for the past month. It has renewed calls for Cleveland to add a power bat that go all the way back to the early stages of the offseason.
Rhys Hoskins was seen as the potential solution as the only significant acquisition, but he is batting just .176 with seven home runs and 68 strikeouts in 182 at-bats. Martinez leads the team with 11 home runs, which already equals the 24-year-old’s career high.
DeLauter may be back at some point during an upcoming 10-game homestand, but until then, the Guardians will have to figure something out quickly until more reinforcements arrive.
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