CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians optioned struggling shortstop Brayan Rocchio to the minors Monday ahead of their series opener against the Brewers at Progressive Field.
Outfielder Will Brennan was recalled to take Rocchio’s spot on the 26-man roster.
Rocchio, 22, hit .165 with eight RBI in 35 appearances with 21 strikeouts and five walks. He had not appeared in a game since the series finale against the Nationals last week when he went hitless for the 10th consecutive game.
Brennan, batting .304 at Triple-A Columbus, hit three home runs and drove in 18 over 35 games for the Clippers.
Rocchio’s struggles have been well documented, going hitless in 16 at-bats during Cleveland’s road trip to Toronto and Washington. Manager Stephen Vogt said on Saturday that the Venezuelan shortstop who was a Gold Glove finalist as a rookie last season and hit .333 during the postseason, is “not himself” right now.
“He’s having a hard time understanding what he’s trying to do right now,” Vogt said. “He’s just gotten off to a tough start. He’s working hard in the cages trying to get back on track.”