The Cleveland Guardians might have a call to make within the days forward that might outline their season.
They’re now tangled up 1-1 within the ALCS with the Tampa Bay Rays after a defeat on Tuesday night time. The collection heads again to Cleveland for 3 video games, and the Guardians possible have to win not less than two of them to be ok with their possibilities within the best-of-seven collection towards the American League’s prime workforce.
A spot within the World Sequence is on the road, so there’s no time to waste so far as making the best selections going ahead.
And it’s the shortstop place that’s now within the highlight. The Guardians have relied on Brayan Rocchio at that spot all 12 months, however Rocchio has struggled within the postseason.
Cleveland does have another choice: Angel Genao. And there’s a case to be made that Genao ought to get his likelihood earlier than it’s too late.
Brayan Rocchio Struggles
Rocchio, who was one of many clutchest hitters in MLB this season together with 4 walk-off hits, has but to make any imprint on the playoffs.
He’s 2-for-22 within the postseason, an .091 batting common.
Each of his hits really got here in the identical sport, the 9-3 ALDS Recreation 3 win over the White Sox. He additionally had an RBI and a steal in that sport.
Rocchio’s solely different optimistic offensive sport of the postseason got here in ALDS Recreation 4 when he labored two walks and scored a run.
He had one stroll in ALDS Recreation 1, as effectively.
Rocchio hasn’t reached base within the final three video games the Guardians have performed, going a mixed 0-for-11.
It’s onerous to consider that’s sustainable for Cleveland, even on the backside of the lineup.
Angel Genao Various
Genao, the highest prospect from the Dominican Republic, is simply 22 years outdated. He’s a switch-hitter with a easy glove.
It will be daring for the Guardians to begin him after not but doing so by their first seven postseason video games, however possibly it’s one thing they’ll think about.
Genao has appeared in 4 video games, all as a substitute defensively at second base for Travis Bazzana within the late innings. He has gotten two at bats, and he delivered an RBI double in a single.
The decision to play Genao can be about altering it up and seeing what Genao’s youthful vitality and expertise might present.
Throughout the common season, he hit simply .213 with a .572 OPS. He hit 4 doubles and two homers in 42 video games whereas stealing one base.
Genao’s pure expertise is obvious in his minor league numbers, his prospect rankings and the scouting stories about him, nevertheless it’s clear he nonetheless has some room to develop on the MLB degree.
Perhaps this isn’t the time to present him a shot, but when Rocchio retains making no affect on the plate, that is one card the Guardians nonetheless need to probably play.
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