The Cleveland Guardians are about to open the second half of their season on Friday tied for first place in the AL Central. It is an impressive accomplishment considering they have played the past month without Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez, who are two of their best hitters.
Ramirez and Martinez, as well as Chase DeLauter, were all injured in the same game on June 13 against the Seattle Mariners. DeLauter was able to return from his rib injury in late June, and the outfielder has provided a major boost to the lineup.
Now, it looks like Martinez is on his way to rejoining the team, as the Guardians got a big injury update on the outfielder, who is about to start his minor league rehab assignment.
“Cleveland Guardians switch-hitting OF Angel Martinez is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus at home vs. Indianapolis this weekend. If all goes well Martinez will then head to Double-A Akron on Tuesday when the team begins their series vs. Altoona,” Guardians Prospective posted.
Cleveland #Guardians switch-hitting OF Angel Martinez is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus at home vs Indianapolis this weekend.
If all goes well Martinez will then head to Double-A Akron on Tuesday when the team begins their series vs Altoona.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 17, 2026
Before his foot injury, Martinez was having the best season of his three-year MLB career. His .239 batting average and .719 OPS would be career highs over a full season, and the 24-year-old already equalled his best mark with 11 home runs in just 66 games played.
It is quite an accomplishment when you consider that Martinez was not guaranteed playing time entering spring training. With prospects such as George Valera and CJ Kayfus potentially in his way, Martinez made an early impression and was able to create a starting role for himself as those other players fell off.
Since that trio of injuries, Cleveland went just 12-13, but it was able to enter the All-Star break tied with the Chicago White Sox for first place in the division. Now, with DeLauter back and Martinez on his way, the Guardians should have a much better chance of holding on to that spot.
The final piece of the puzzle would be Ramirez, who is working his way back from hamate bone surgery. A target date of July 31 has been mentioned for his return, which would be the opener of a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
With a lineup at full strength, adding another hitter before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline could be what pushes the Guardians toward a long playoff run.
NEXT: Guardians' 2027 Home Opener Features Historic Matchup
