BREAKING: Guardians designate another veteran OF for assignment, Promote top-tier outstanding brilliant prospect

In advance of Monday’s Progressive Field series start against the Mets, the Guardians have designated seven-year veteran outfielder Ramón Laureano for assignment.

In a separate move, Cleveland added outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez to the active roster by recalling him from Triple-A Columbus.

After having his greatest professional season in 2023, Rodriguez—the club’s No. 16 prospect according to MLB Pipeline—was elevated to the 40-man roster in November. According to MLB.com, Rodriguez, a third-round selection in the 2017 draft, was an Eastern League All-Star and the Guardians Hitting Prospect of the Year in 2023.

He played for the RubberDucks last season, splitting time between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. He batted.289 with 18 home runs, 55 RBI, and an.876 OPS. In late July, Rodriguez moved to the Clippers, where he hit.280 with 33 RBI, 11 home runs, and a.936 OPS.

Rodriguez has hit the ball well since joining Columbus in March, according to manager Stephen Vogt.

He’s been playing fairly solid defence, driving the ball all over the ballpark, and generally starting to grow and develop as a player, according to Vogt. “Very happy to have JRod here and look forward to what he can contribute.”

This season, Rodriguez has a.276 average, seven home runs, 28 RBI, and an.838 OPS in 156 at-bats for Columbus.

Laureano, 29, left Oakland and signed with Cleveland in August 2023. Last season, he batted.243 in 41 games for Cleveland, with three home runs, 14 RBI, and 41 strikeouts. When he was added to the team on August 7, his.342 on-base percentage was the fourth-best on the team. After August 24, Laureano had an.808 OPS and had reached base safely in 24 of his last 32 games of the season.

In lieu of arbitration, the Guardians inked Laureano to a $5.15 million deal for the 2024 campaign. However, throughout the team’s first 47 games, the 29-year-old right-handed hitter found it difficult to get back on track. Laureano made 83 plate appearances over 31 games, hitting.143 with one home run, four RBI, and 32 strikeouts.

Vogt noted that having to release Laureano, the Guardians captain’s teammate when he was in Oakland, was a disappointing part of the day.

Vogt stated, “On both sides, it was just time.” “It’s not a pleasant day or choice, but we’re happy that JRod is here and we wish Ramón the best.”

In contrast, Rodriguez shares fourth place in the organisation for total bases, RBI, and home runs. He has played in 12 games while batting in left field and 26 games in right field.346 with the runners in position to score.

According to Vogt, the Guardians think Rodriguez is prepared to test his mettle against big league pitching.

Vogt stated, “He’s worked incredibly hard and completed some tasks that we asked of him coming out of spring.” “The Triple-A manager, Andy Tracy, does a fantastic job of guiding those guys towards becoming major league players down there. We are incredibly grateful for the work that Trace and the other men down in Columbus have been doing.