Guardians May Have Avoided Major Injury Scare

The Cleveland Guardians are hopeful that Gabriel Arias' hand injury is not as serious as initially thought.

Everything was going well for the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night as they were playing the Chicago Cubs. Jose Ramirez and Josh Bell hit back-to-back home runs for the first time this season and Myles Straw even got into one for his first homer in over a full calendar year.

But then disaster struck as Gabriel Arias was at the plate causing all Guardians fans to hold their breath.

The super utility player, who's already been told he'll be on the Big League roster, was hit in the hand by the pitch and the immediate aftermath was not good. Cleveland's trainer came rushing out and assisted Arias as the 23-year-old left the game.

While the initial injury looked bad on the field, there is some reason to let out a sigh of relief. Reports say that the Guardians were encouraged by the initial tests and that he avoided a major injury. Right now it's just being called a contusion. 

Arias has had an incredible season and is poised to have a breakout year in 2023. He's slashing .333/.378/.405 with three doubles and three RBI. On the defensive side, he's played all the field which could force Terry Francona to find him a full-time spot in the lineup if his bat continues to go.

If Arias' injury turns out to be worse than previously thought, it's likely that Tyler Freeman would be the first man called up out of Columbus as it was between him and Arias for the final infield spot on the roster. 

-----

Read More:

Cleveland Finalizes Their Bullpen Ahead Of Opening Day

Guardians Sign Veteran Pitcher To Minor League Deal

Josh Bell Gives the Guardians Early Lead Over Giants With Massive Home Run

The American League Central is Going To Be A Three Team Race In 2023

MLB Pipelines Ranks Guardians Farm System As Top 5 In MLB

Be sure to stay locked into Cleveland Baseball Insider all the time!

SUBSCRIBE to the CBI YouTube channel

Follow Cleveland Baseball Insider on Twitter: @CBI_FanNation

Cover Photo Credit: © Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports