CLEVELAND -- The Guardians optioned Opening Day shortstop Brayan Rocchio to Triple-A Columbus on Monday, and in a corresponding move recalled outfielder Will Brennan from the Clippers.
Rocchio had a stellar postseason last fall (.906 OPS in 10 games), but got off to a tough start this season and did not play in the Guardians’ three-game series against the Phillies over the weekend. In 35 games this season, the 24-year-old recorded a .165/.235/.198 slash line, which included an 0-for-16 stretch during Cleveland’s six-game road trip against the Nationals and Blue Jays last week.
Rocchio’s six errors (in 105 chances) were tied for fifth most in the Majors entering Monday. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Rocchio took the news “like a pro.”
“We want him to go get regular at-bats,” Vogt said. “He's got some things he needs to work on at the plate, some things he needs to work on in the field, base running, everything. Take a deep breath, go play and we'll see what happens.
“We know that the best version of Brayan Rocchio makes us the best version of us, with him playing shortstop. Just got off to a tough start and the playing time just isn't there.”
With Rocchio’s option, Gabriel Arias figures to receive the bulk of playing time at shortstop in the immediate future. Arias (Cleveland’s Opening Day second baseman) has seen increased playing time at shortstop recently, making 16 appearances there this season (13 starts, including Monday vs. the Brewers), and he has gotten off to a good start.
Arias has a .264/.319/.416 slash line in 38 games. He’s graded as a positive defender at short in Outs Above Average (1) and Defensive Runs Saved (2). The Guardians are comfortable with their middle infield mix, which includes Daniel Schneemann (.888 OPS in 30 games) and Will Wilson. Angel Martínez has mostly played center field this season (25 games) but can play infield.
“Gabby’s done an excellent job wherever we've put him and continues to just have great at-bats. So it definitely helps,” Vogt said. “And with Schnee, the way he's playing, Angel, these guys are really playing well and we feel good about our roster right now.”
Brennan was poised to make Cleveland’s Opening Day roster. In fact, Vogt told him he made the team, but the Guardians had to back track after they acquired Nolan Jones from the Rockies on March 22. Brennan was optioned to Columbus on March 24, and Jones made the Opening Day roster as a left-handed alternative to the right-handed hitting Jhonkensy Noel.
Brennan acknowledged the option “hurt,” but he didn’t sulk and went to work with Columbus. He slashed .304/.340/.419 in 35 games. He said a key to those results was staying on the fastball; he hit .351 against heaters with the Clippers.
“Being a human being, it's definitely gonna sting,” Brennan said of the option. “It's not where you want to be, but you’ve got to be a professional about it and go down and play. It's a game at the end of the day. Take care of business and be where your cards may fall, and that's what happens. I went down, worked hard and got rewarded.”
Brennan gives the Guardians five outfielders alongside Steven Kwan, Martínez, Jones and Noel. Vogt said Brennan’s playing time will include facing right-handed pitchers and pinch-hit opportunities. He drew the start in right field and hit ninth in the batting order on Monday against Brewers righty Freddy Peralta.
“We know the type of hitter Will is: He's high contact, has a knack for getting that clutch hit with people in scoring position, good off the bench,” Vogt said. “He's proved that. … We're just excited to see Will. He always brings a smile to everybody's face, too, when he gets here.”
Thomas and Fry set for game action
Lane Thomas will begin a rehab assignment this week with Columbus, and David Fry is set to return to game action in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League, Vogt noted.
“It's an exciting week for some of our injured guys, and those two in particular,” Vogt said.
Thomas has been limited to 13 games this season. He went on the 10-day injured list on April 22 with a bone bruise in his right wrist, an injury he originally suffered on a hit by pitch in the Guardians’ April 8 home opener. Vogt noted Thomas will need at least a week of rehab games, given his long layoff, and the team will go from there.
Fry, who underwent right UCL revision surgery in November, will be limited to designated hitter duties this season.