Jose Tena Promoted By Guardians As Josh Naylor And Tyler Freeman Head To IL, Cleveland Roster Moves
The Cleveland Guardians have been aggressive in promoting some of their best prospects since the MLB trade deadline passed without acquiring a proven Big League bat. The front office wants to see what their young players can do and they're certainly giving them that chance.
First, they recalled Brayan Rocchio from Triple-A Columbus to fill the empty roster spot that was created by the Josh Bell trade. Rocchio had a couple of stints with the Major League team earlier this season, but he'll have a much bigger role this time around.
Their next prospect to get the promotion is Jose Tena, who is Cleveland's 19th-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline.
Tena is another one of the middle infield players that the Guardians want to see against MLB-level competition. He's spent most of 2022 and 2023 with the Akron Rubber Ducks (Double-A) but was promoted to Triple-A when Rocchio got called up to Cleveland.
Now after one game, he's joined the Big League roster.
Tena has slashed .281/.334/.424 with an OPS of .758 over his five-year minor league career. If his game translates to the Big League, he could immediately become an important piece to Cleveland's lineup.
The middle infielder has done plenty of damage against left-handed pitching as he's hit .318 with an OPS of 744 against Southpaws this season. This is one of the team's biggest weaknesses for multiple seasons now and it's one of the reasons why Framber Valdez effortlessly no-hit the Guardians earlier this week.
It's disappointing that Cleveland didn't make any big, blockbuster trades at the deadline and instead traded away pieces that could help them win this season. But to see the front office committing to promoting players such as Jose Tena will make the rest of the season fun to watch!
Unfortunately, this promotion also comes with some negative news too. Josh Naylor has been placed on the injured list with a right oblique strain and Tyler Freeman heads to the IL with a right shoulder strain.
The Guardians also acquired OF Cole Kalhoun from the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash to help with depth while the two players get healthy.
----
Read More:
Newest Guardians Prospect Kahlil Watson Puts On A Show In Lake County Captains Debut
This Is How The Guardians Will Manage Innings Limits
Gabriel Arias Has Been Bright Spot For Guardians
Guardians Strikeout On Both Offseason Free Agent Signings
Brayan Rocchio Recalled, Guardians Roster Moves
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
Photo Credit © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
