MARCH 3•NEWSOBSERVER.COM
Injuries Creating Opportunities In Guardians BullpenJames Karinchak and Trevor Stephan’s injuries are forcing the Cleveland Guardians to look elsewhere for bullpen help.
MJ Melendez - Decent start to springMelendez has gone 3-for-11 over his first five Cactus League games.
ImpactMelendez will focus on the outfield in 2024, projecting as the starting left field, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Melendez has yet to put all of his tools together over his first two big-league seasons. He's hit 34 home runs and added 118 RBI over 277 contests, but he slashed just .235/.316/.398 last season. While Melendez's spot on the field is secure, any prolonged slump could open the door for Drew Waters -- who can play at all three outfield spots -- to get more of a look.
MARCH 3•ROTOWIRE
Andrés Giménez - Not clicking at plate yetGimenez has gone 1-for-11 over his first four Cactus League games.
ImpactGimenez also has two strikeouts and no walks. The second baseman is not in danger of losing his starting role -- Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio are competing for the shortstop job, and most of the other major-league ready infielders in camp are likely to be utility options. Gimenez hit an okay .251 with 15 home runs, 62 RBI, 76 runs scored and 30 stolen bases over 153 contests last year. His OPS dropped from .837 in 2022 to .713 last year, but at 25 years old, a rebound campaign is plausible.
MARCH 3•ROTOWIRE
Steven Kwan - Lock for starting roleKwan is 3-for-11 over his first four Cactus League games.
ImpactKwan is about the only sure thing in the Guardians' outfield this spring, as he should be a lock to start in left field. His second big-league season was a little worse than his rookie year -- he slashed .268/.340/.370 in 2023. Kwan is a contact-over-power hitter with a good eye at the plate (9.9 percent walk rate, 10.4 percent strikeout rate in 2023). He should also offer a speed threat after going 40-for-48 on the basepaths over his first two campaigns.
MARCH 3•ROTOWIRE
Emmanuel Clase - Still among top closersClase has allowed two hits and struck out four batters over his first two Cactus League appearances.
ImpactClase saved 44 of his 56 opportunities last season, and while it wasn't the dominance he displayed in the previous two years, he was never at risk of losing ninth-inning duties. Clase should continue in the closer role this season. James Karinchak (shoulder) and Trevor Stephan (elbow) are already banged up in the spring, leaving Scott Barlow as the Guardians' top option for saves when Clase is unavailable.
MARCH 3•ROTOWIRE
2024 Guardians Spring Training Players Of The Game: Game 8Cleveland’s Angel Martínez, Daniel Schneemann, Emmanuel Clase, and Nick Sandlin each had a productive performance in the team’s 13-12 loss t...
MARCH 3•NEWSOBSERVER.COM
Progress report: Kansas City RoyalsSizing up the Kansas City Royals ahead of the 2024 season
MARCH 3•SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM
