The Cleveland Guardians have called up top prospect Angel Genao from Triple-A Columbus for his Major League Baseball debut against the New York Mets. Genao, ranked as the Guardians' No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, is expected to start at third base for Wednesday night's game.
This promotion comes as the Guardians, currently in a tight battle for the American League Central title and a wild-card spot, have been navigating through injuries, most notably to star third baseman Jose Ramirez. Genao's call-up marks the 10th player to make their MLB debut with Cleveland this season.
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Genao began the season with Double-A Akron before being promoted to Triple-A Columbus. In 72 games at the Triple-A level, he posted a .309 batting average with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs. He has been particularly productive in July and August, hitting .381 with four home runs and 18 RBIs since July 1.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt stated that Genao, primarily a shortstop, will also see playing time at second and third base. "Angel has been pushing the meter all season, and we felt like it was time," Vogt told reporters. "It was Angel’s time."
The 22-year-old infielder grew up idolizing former Guardian and current Met Francisco Lindor, who will be in the opposing dugout for Genao's debut. Genao watched Lindor's highlight videos as a child, and the two players nearly overlapped in the Guardians organization before Lindor was traded to the Mets.
In a corresponding roster move, the Guardians designated infielder Gabriel Arias for assignment. Arias had committed a throwing error in Tuesday night's 6-2 loss to the Mets.
The Guardians have struggled since the All-Star break, holding a 6-11 record in that span. They currently sit a half-game ahead of the Minnesota Twins for the final AL wild-card spot and are three games behind the Chicago White Sox for the AL Central lead. Ramirez recently returned from a month-long absence due to a left hamate fracture, but the team's offense has continued to falter.
"It’s very special to know that the team is thinking about you when they’re trying to win, especially in this particular moment of the season," Genao said. "I try to give 100 percent and be positive 100 percent of all the time, try to help the team in any way they need me."