The Cleveland Guardians are preparing to promote Travis Bazzana, their first overall selection in the 2024 amateur draft, according to a source with knowledge of the decision who spoke anonymously Monday evening. The young infielder may see his first major league action during Tuesday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays.
The source requested anonymity since Cleveland has not yet made an official announcement regarding the roster change.
Bazzana, 23, currently leads the Guardians’ prospect rankings and plays second base. During his 24-game stint with Triple-A Columbus, he has posted a .287 batting average while contributing two home runs and 10 RBIs.
To create roster space for Bazzana’s arrival, the team is anticipated to demote Juan Brito, who has struggled offensively with just a .176 batting average across 15 games and has struck out 17 times in 51 plate appearances.
Cleveland had promoted Brito from Columbus on April 7 when Gabriel Arias went on the injured list with a strained left hamstring.
During the recent World Baseball Classic, Bazzana demonstrated his abilities on the international stage, recording two hits including a home run while helping Australia defeat Chinese Taipei 3-0.
Last season presented challenges for Bazzana, as an oblique injury sidelined him for two months. Despite the setback, he managed a .239 batting average with nine home runs, 39 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases while playing for both Double-A Akron and Columbus.
