Guardians Designate Mike Zunino For Assignment

The Cleveland Guardians DFA Mike Zunino.

Tommy Wild | Jun 16, 2023

Guardians Designate Mike Zunino For Assignment /

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The Cleveland Guardians made a massive roster move as they released their lineup card for Friday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cleveland announced that they designated catcher Mike Zunino for assignment.

The Guardians DFA Mike Zunino.#Guardians | #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/HSfdfC2QQ0
— Cleveland Guardians On SI (@GuardiansOnSI) June 16, 2023

Zunino was one of Cleveland's two free agents signing over the winter. The hope was that he could fill in as the starting catching and provide some much-needed power to the lineup.

However, that has not been the case.

Zunino is slashing .199/.271/.406 with an OPS of .677 so far in 2023. He's hit just three home runs and recorded 11 RBI in 124 at-bats. Zunino has also struggled to make any sort of contact with the ball as he's striking out at a staggering 43.6 percent.

The defense was also becoming a liability as Zunion leads MLB catchers with past balls.

Now the focus turns to top-prospect Bo Naylor. It feels like he will be with the Big League club sooner than later.

Cam Gallagher will start on Saturday against the D-Backs.

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Published Jun 16, 2023