CLEVELAND -- Gabriel Arias remained out of the Guardians’ starting lineup against the Royals on Wednesday, but the shortstop appears to have avoided a stint on the injured list.
Arias underwent testing on his right wrist after he exited Monday’s 10-2 win over the Royals due to inflammation. While the Guardians continue to push for a spot in the postseason, it has been determined that Arias can play through the issue, which followed consultation between Arias, the Guardians’ medical staff and hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham.
“He's going to be playing through some pain,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said on Wednesday. “It's kind of to his tolerance, kind of how he was before. [The testing] really didn't show anything that he can't play through.
"It's going to be up to Gabby, which is great. We want to have Gabby in the lineup as often as possible.”
Arias initially hurt his wrist in the Guardians’ 5-4 win over the Mariners on Aug. 29. He was hit by a pitch in the second inning, which forced him to exit the game, and he then missed Cleveland’s ensuing four games. He returned to the lineup last Wednesday against the Red Sox.
Arias reaggravated the issue on Monday when he came around to score and slid into home plate, bracing his slide with his right hand. He took one more at-bat before exiting the game.
Arias (who was Cleveland's Opening Day second baseman) has been the Guardians’ starting shortstop since Brayan Rocchio was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on May 12. Rocchio was recalled on July 3 and has shifted from short to second base.
Rocchio drew his second straight start at shortstop on Wednesday in Arias’ stead.
Arias is having his best season in the Majors. Over 113 games, he has slashed .223/.280/.363 (all career highs) with 10 homers and 48 RBIs. He has been one of the Guardians’ most productive hitters with runners in scoring position, holding a .325/.398/.584 slash line and 42 RBIs (tied for second on the team).