The Cleveland Guardians have been without starting shortstop Gabriel Arias since he sprained his left ankle on June 29.
What looked like a season-ending injury because he was carted off the field ended up being a month-long absence.
The Guardians have activated Arias from the 10-day injured list and put him in the lineup for the start of their series against the Kansas City Royals.
Will Wilson was sent to Triple-A in the corresponding move.
Arias is back.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/Itsr6FLIG6
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) July 25, 2025
Arias returns with a disappointing .231/.293/.369 slash line with six homers, 31 RBIs and three stolen bases in 281 plate appearances.
He looked like a breakout candidate in the first few weeks of the season, but cooled off and then got injured.
He has a lot to prove in the next few games if he wants to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
For now, Cleveland is moving surging Brayan Rocchio to second base and using Daniel Schneemann in right field against the Royals.
Outfielder Nolan Jones, another hitter under scrutiny, is on the bench.
Arias was struggling before his injury, but he has something that the Guardians lack: offensive upside.
They also have urgency, so he will need to regain his early-season form to avoid being replaced either by a minor leaguer or a trade acquisition.
NEXT: Insider Reveals What He's Hearing About Guardians' Trade Deadline Plans
