CLEVELAND — The Guardians have parted ways with struggling outfielder Ramón Laureano, designating the seven-year veteran for assignment ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Mets at Progressive Field.
In a related move, Cleveland recalled outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from Triple-A Columbus to take Laureano’s spot on the active roster.
Rodriguez, the club’s No. 16 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, was added to the 40-man roster in November after his best year as a professional in 2023. A third-round pick in the 2017 draft, Rodriguez was an Eastern League All-Star and the Guardians Hitting Prospect of the Year in 2023 according to MLB.com.
He split last season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, batting .289 with 18 home runs, 55 RBI and an .876 OPS for the RubberDucks. After moving to the Clippers in late July, Rodriguez hit .280 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI and a .936 OPS.
Manager Stephen Vogt said Rodriguez has hit the ball well since opening with Columbus in March.
“He’s been driving the ball all over the ballpark, been playing pretty good defense and really starting to mature and develop as a player overall,” Vogt said. “Really excited to have JRod here and see what he can bring.”
In 156 at-bats for Columbus this year, Rodriguez has a .276 average with seven home runs, 28 RBI and an .838 OPS.
Laureano, 29, joined Cleveland in August 2023 after he was released by Oakland. In 41 games for Cleveland last year, he hit .243 with three home runs, 14 RBI and 41 strikeouts. His .342 on-base percentage after joining the roster Aug. 7 was the fourth-best on the club. Laureano reached base safely in 24 of his final 32 games to finish year and posted an .808 OPS after Aug. 24.
The Guardians avoided arbitration with Laureano and signed him to a $5.15 million contract for the 2024 campaign. But the 29-year-old right-handed hitter struggled to get on track in the club’s first 47 games. Laureano hit .143 with one home run and four RBI to go along with 32 strikeouts in 83 plate appearances across 31 games.
Vogt said it was a disappointing day with having to release Laureano, a teammate of the Guardians skipper when he was in Oakland.
“It was just time, on both sides,” Vogt said. “Not a fun day or decision, but we wish Ramón nothing but the best and we’re excited that JRod’s here.”
Rodriguez, meanwhile, is tied for fourth in the organization in home runs, RBI and total bases. He has appeared in 26 games in right field and 12 in left while batting .346 with runners in scoring position.
Vogt said the Guardians believe Rodriguez is ready to see what he can do against major league pitching.
“He’s worked really hard and done some things that we asked of him coming out of spring,” Vogt said. “Andy Tracy (Triple-A manager) does such a good job down there of helping those guys develop into major leaguers. We couldn’t be more thankful for the work that Trace and all the guys that have put their hands on ‘em down there in Columbus.”
