The Cleveland Guardians have several young and talented players trying to leave their mark this year.
Daniel Schneemann, Kyle Manzardo, Angel Martinez, Johnathan Rodriguez and Gabriel Arias all had their chance to impress and have, at some point.
Different circumstances have forced most of them off the roster.
One of them, however, has stuck around and made the best of his opportunity.
That’s slugger Jhonkensy Noel, who is still in the majors but not playing every day.
Noel’s name doesn’t appear in Stephen Vogt’s lineup every game, but when it does, he usually delivers.
It’s incredibly hard for a power hitter to get into a rhythm when he plays two or three times a week but there he is, doing his best, and the results have been impressive.
On Monday, he hit two home runs and both were absolutely necessary to beat the Chicago Cubs 9-8 in an instant classic.
“Ready for the moment! Jhonkensy Noel has not gotten consistent playing time since being promoted from Triple A, but he has delivered some big hits to help the @CleGuardians hold onto their first-place standing in the AL Central Division,” Bally Sports Cleveland tweeted.
Ready for the moment!
Jhonkensy Noel has not gotten consistent playing time since being promoted from Triple A, but he has delivered some big hits to help the @CleGuardians hold onto their first-place standing in the AL Central Division.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/8KkMjoW7io
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) August 13, 2024
For the day, Noel went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, four RBI, and the two impressive blasts.
They were also clutch:
Big Christmas taketh away, and then, giveth!
After making a diving play to end the top of the fourth inning, Jhonkensy Noel blasts a two-out three-run home run to left field to give the @CleGuardians a 4-3 lead over the Cubs.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/psnfF4SZTZ
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) August 13, 2024
With the big day at the plate, Noel is now hitting .250/.299/.588 with eight homers and a team-high .886 OPS in 31 games.
He strikes out a lot and doesn’t draw a whole lot of walks (at least not yet), but his power plays anywhere and warrants more playing time with the Guardians.
He could be a difference-maker in the stretch run.
NEXT: Guardians Insider Highlights List Of Things To Play For In Stretch Run
