CLEVELAND (AP) — Infielder Angel Genao will make his major league debut for the Cleveland Guardians during Wednesday night's game against the New York Mets.
The highly-touted prospect is primarily a shortstop, but is playing third base and batting ninth in the middle game of the series. José Ramírez is out for the second straight game with left wrist inflammation.
Genao had a .309 batting average with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 72 games with Triple-A
Columbus. He began the season at Double-A Akron. He had gone 37 for 97 with four homers and 18 RBIs since July 1.
Manager Stephen Vogt said the 22-year-old Genao will play third base and second base, in addition to his natural position.
“Angel has been pushing the meter all season, and we felt like it was time,” Vogt said. “It was Angel's time.”
The Guardians designated infielder Gabriel Arias for assignment. Arias had a throwing error during the second inning of Tuesday night's game against the Mets that would have been the third out. Instead, it prolonged the inning and the Mets took advantage as Luis Torrens hit a three-run homer.
Genao becomes the 10th player to make his major league debut this year with the Guardians.
Cleveland (57-57) is 6-11 since the All-Star break, but has a one-game lead over Minnesota for the American League’s final wild-card spot. The Guardians are three games behind the first-place White Sox in the AL Central.
“It's very special to know that the team is thinking about you when they're trying to win, especially in this particular moment of the season,” Genao said. “I try to give 100% and be positive 100% of all the time, try to help the team in any way they need me.”
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