CLEVELAND -- Infield prospect Juan Brito, who competed for the Guardians’ Opening Day second-base job and is considered to be knocking on the door to the big leagues, is going to be out a while.
Brito, the club's No. 10 prospect, had surgery Friday to address a high-grade ligament sprain of his right thumb he suffered while sliding into third base during Triple-A Columbus’ April 17 game against Louisville. The timeframe for his return to unrestricted game activities is estimated to be eight to 12 weeks.
“Just feel really bad for Juan,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “But you know, it’s early in the year, so hopefully he’ll get back from that and get back to playing.”
Brito, a late cut in Guardians spring camp, had slashed .291/.406/.491 with two homers, five doubles and four steals through 16 games with Columbus.
While initial X-rays were negative for a fracture, the 23-year-old Brito continued to report symptoms. Following additional consultations with team physicians and hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham, the surgery was recommended.
Brito has been in the Guardians’ system since 2022, when he was acquired in the trade that sent Nolan Jones to the Rockies. Jones has since returned to Cleveland, and Brito has been seen as a likely option to join the big league club at some point this season.
“From the little bit I've seen of Juan, you see the potential of a power hitter that can also hit for average and played pretty good defense,” Vogt said. “So lot of talent there.”
Brito will report to the Guardians’ complex in Goodyear, Ariz., in the coming days to begin his rehab process.