Guardians Option Valera, Shake Up Roster

0:00It's April 30, I'm Cory with the story and this is MLB News Today. Your AI-powered baseball briefing? The Cleveland Guardian shook up their roster on an off day, optioning outfielder George Valera back to Tribal A Columbus before facing the A's in, West Sacramento. The 25-year-old had debuted last September and contributed late in the year, but started this season on the injured list with a left calf, strain. On April 13, he played in 13 of 16 games with a slash line of 2, 16 over 2, 37, over 2, 97. Earlier this week, Valera's chances were slim in a packed outfield starring Stephen Kwan, Chase the Louder, and Angel Martinez. Those guys have locked down starts, with Martinez leading left field duties in the Loader owning right. Versatile players like Daniel Schneeman and David Frye had field gaps too, leaving Valera with just 9 starts in 16 appearances. This move gives Valera every day at bats in Columbus to build consistency, which he needs

1:02after that rough stretch. It also tweaks the roster balance, now 6 of 12 position players, bat left-handed, with only 3 pure righties. Cleveland's been solid against South Paws this year, ranking 11th in OPS, a big jump from last season's 27th. Meanwhile, the team plans a corresponding move, Friday, to fill the spot. Outfield options in Columbus include 40 man guys, like PD Halpin, for speed and defense, Khalil Watson, with an 877 OPS, or CJ, Kephous. Non-Roster names like Ridey's Steward Fairchild or Nolan Jones are hitting Hot 2, around 900 OPS. Expect that call-up to bring fresh legs, or maybe a right-handed bat against the A-series. Just the guardians flexible as they grind through the early schedule.