Many people wanted to see it.<\/p>\n
But it won’t happen just yet.<\/p>\n
And the “it” is the promotion of Travis Bazzana to the major league roster. <\/a><\/p>\n Instead of giving the former No. 1 overall selection the nod to the big leagues, the Cleveland Guardians’ front office decided to give multi-tool infielder prospect Juan Brito the chance to prove himself. On Tuesday, April 7, Brito was called up to sport the navy blue and red at Progressive Field for a matchup against the Kansas City Royals. <\/p>\n The decision comes after shortstop Gabriel Arias was placed on the 10-day injured list following a hamstring injury he suffered in Monday’s game against the Royals. <\/p>\n When asked about the decision to promote Brito over Bazzana, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt gave a straightforward response. <\/p>\n “There\u2019s always thought, but we\u2019ve been excited about Juan for a long time,” Vogt said. “This is about Juan Brito. Travis [Bazzana] is going to help us win a lot of games<\/a>, but this is Juan Brito\u2019s turn.” <\/p>\n Brito has been quietly working his way through the minor league system over the last five seasons. He joined Cleveland in 2023, quickly making his impact known, jumping from High-A to Triple-A in just one season. <\/p>\n His bat has always been relatively impactful, slashing a career minor league mark of .274\/.383\/.449 for an OPS of .832. His consistency and power have always been strong suits for him, especially when he can get on base and then flash his speed. Back in 2024, he hit 40 doubles and 21 home runs<\/a>, all while stealing 13 bases as well. <\/p>\n One of his best attributes, though, is his ability to be versatile in the field. In recent campaigns, Cleveland has begun to move him around, playing him at third, first and second base, shortstop and right field. This allows the big league roster to utilize him as a utility player like Daniel Schneemann.<\/p>\n “Yeah, we know we have the ability to move Juan around the diamond,” Vogt said. “So, how that\u2019s going to unfold, we don\u2019t know. But as for right now, he\u2019s going to play a lot of second base.”<\/p>\n Against the Royals on Tuesday, he will play second. There’s a chance in the coming games, with Arias still out, that they place Schneemann at second and give Brito time elsewhere on the diamond.<\/a><\/p>\n According to Vogt, Arias’ hamstring injury is going to place him on the injured list for a bit of time. <\/p>\n “Gabby\u2019s pretty sore,” Vogt said. “He\u2019s going to be going on the IL and hamstrings trained, so it\u2019s “It\u2019s just an unfortunate time. You never want anyone to get hurt. But just as he\u2019s kind of
going to be a little while. But he\u2019s in a lot of pain, not moving around great. So we feel for Gabby. That
was unfortunate…<\/p>\n
catching his offensive stride, it just comes at an unfortunate time.” <\/p>\n