Ever since the Cleveland Guardians decided to option Jhonkensy Noel to Triple-A Columbus, they have tried to find the right player to plug in right field and mash against lefties.
Noel was, in theory, that guy, but could never get going at the MLB level so the organization had no choice but to send him down.
In recent weeks, Johnathan Rodriguez, who has nothing left to prove in Triple-A but has failed to impress in MLB opportunities, has played right field against lefties.
His 60 wRC+ vs. them, however, is well below-average, leaving the team scrambling for a solution again.
Guardians writer Justin Lada implied that Juan Brito could be a viable option to be called up and fulfill that right field role vs. southpaws, plus some infield work.
“Juan Brito had a .916 OPS vs LHP last year. Not sure I can find the splits for home/road vs LHP to account for Huntington Park bandbox. But aside from throwing arm, I’d imagine he’s similar to Rodriguez in RF. Would make a lot more sense on the roster,” he posted on X.
Juan Brito had a .916 OPS vs LHP last year.
Not sure I can find the splits for home/road vs LHP to account for Huntington Park bandbox.
But aside from throwing arm, I'd imagine he's similar to Rodriguez in RF. Would make a lot more sense on the roster.
— Justin L. (jlbaseball on bluesky) (@JL_Baseball) July 2, 2025
Rodriguez has often looked lost in right field for the Guardians, so if he’s not contributing with his bat, legs, and glove, his time on the roster is limited.
Brito is an infielder by trade, but started 19 games in right field last year and one this year, a few days ago in the Arizona Complex League as part of his rehab assignment.
Offensively, he offers a dynamic package that includes a little bit of everything: contact, power, speed, and plate discipline.
He recently overcame a thumb issue and is sporting a 111 wRC+ in Triple-A.
Maybe the Guards can call him up to play some right field, plus some second base work.
It doesn’t hurt to try at this point, especially with Brito’s track record against lefties in the minors.
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