The Cleveland Guardians needed to make a move to try and spark their inconsistent offense.
They did just that by deciding to call up infield prospect Angel Martinez, who already had a stint with the team earlier in the year.
Utilityman Tyler Freeman, who opened the season as the Guards’ center fielder, has been sent down to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.
“Cleveland #Guardians are promoting prospect Angel Martinez back to the majors and optioning Tyler Freeman to Triple-A Columbus,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians are promoting prospect Angel Martinez back to the majors and optioning Tyler Freeman to Triple-A Columbus.#ForTheLand
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) September 14, 2024
Freeman received plenty of opportunities, but after posting a .600 OPS in 2022, a .661 mark last year and .626 in 2024, it’s clear that this is basically who he is: a versatile and useful player, but a liability at the plate.
Martinez, on the other hand, is a 22-year-old prospect who has matured enough to post a .236/.306/.373 line in 31 games with the Guardians earlier in the year.
That includes a 94 wRC+, which is a hair below the league average.
He was sent down because he got cold in early August, but there is a very good chance he could have adjusted back if kept in the majors.
Instead, he has hit .415 in 46 plate appearances in Triple-A since the start of September, with a home run, six doubles and seven RBI.
His overall line over that timeframe is a cool .415/.457/.634 with a 1.091 OPS and a 182 wRC+.
The Guardians need hot hitters and Martinez certainly qualifies.
He knows how to take competitive at-bats, he has some sneaky power and speed and he could make an impact in the stretch run and the postseason if given the chance.
NEXT: Guardians Manager 'Can't Wait' To Watch His Team In The Big Stage
