Travis Bazzana's first full professional season has hit a road block. Bazzana, the Guardians' top prospect and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, could miss two months with an oblique strain.
Bazzana (Cleveland’s No. 1 prospect, No. 12 overall) has an “internal oblique strain,” the Guardians announced on Tuesday. The return-to-play timeline for similar injuries is typically 8 to 10 weeks, according to the team, meaning Bazzana could be sidelined until August.
Bazzana will head out to the Guardians’ complex in Goodyear, Ariz., to begin his rehab progression.
Bazzana reported right side flank soreness after his at-bat in the fourth inning of Double-A Akron’s 6-1 win over Chesapeake on Wednesday, and an MRI later revealed the strain. The 22-year-old reached for his right side on three consecutive pitches during that at-bat, before he hit a double to right field. Bazzana received attention from a team trainer and manager Greg DiCenzo upon reaching second base.
It’s a tough setback for Bazzana, who opened 2025 with Akron after playing 27 games with High-A Lake County upon being drafted last year. In 33 games with the RubberDucks, he has recorded .252/.362/.433 slash line, with five doubles, three triples, four homers and 17 RBIs.
Bazzana was in the midst of a strong May before the injury. He recorded a .904 OPS in 51 plate appearances over 12 games in May, compared to a .740 OPS in 98 PAs over 21 games in April.