With MLB rosters expanding on Sept. 1, the Guardians promoted three players to the majors and optioned an infielder ahead of their game against the Red Sox in Boston.
Outfielders George Valera and Jhonkensy Noel and right-handed pitcher Zak Kent were added to the major league roster, which now stands at 28 players and can stay at that limit for the remainder of the season. Infielder Will Wilson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
Advertisement
Valera, 24, is a former top-five prospect in the Guardians system who has dealt with a series of injuries over the last few seasons. This year, he opened the season on the injured list (right knee surgery) and didn’t make his 2025 debut until June 3. He went right back onto the IL after two days after sustaining on oblique injury.
Since being reactivated on July 23, he’s hit .270 with an .839 OPS while playing right field and left field.
Akron RubberDucks outfielder George Valera (13) shakes hands with his teammates during a ring ceremony before a minor league game at Canal Park on April 12, 2022, in Akron, Ohio.
Noel is back with the club after hitting .273 with 12 home runs and an .831 OPS. He had a rough opening to the 2025 season in the majors, hitting just .140 in 107 at-bats.
Advertisement
The release of Carlos Santana opened up some at-bats and some opportunities with how the Guardians handle right field, first base and their designated hitter, three spots that can feature moving parts.
Kent has a 6.14 ERA in 7â…“ innings across three stints in the majors this season.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians promote George Valera, Jhonkensy Noel, Zak Kent to Cleveland