Offense has been hard to come by for the Cleveland Guardians this season. Through 130 games so far this season, they have struggled at the plate, combining for a team batting average of .224, which is by far the worst across Major League Baseball.
The club is currently on a six-game losing streak, and its season is starting to slip away. If they do not turn things around now, they are in danger of digging themselves too deep a hole to climb out of.
To help turn things around, Cleveland could consider calling up their power-slugging prospect, Jhonkensy Noel. While he struggled during his initial call-up earlier this year, he has since gotten back on track, via Sports Illustrated.
“Since Noel was optioned, he’s slashed .265/.335/.502 with an OPS of .837, including 12 home runs and 14 doubles. The strikeout rate is still high, sitting at 27.1 percent, but that’s simply going to be a byproduct of a player of Noel’s skillset,” said Tommy Wild.
Jhonkensy Noel could contribute in more ways than one
Throughout the year, the Guardians have gotten inconsistent play from their outfielders. Jhonkensy Noel can play both right field and first base, alongside being used as a designated hitter.
He could be used in rotation in right field and give some rest to Kyle Manzardo at first base if needed. This is also the last year where he has a minor league option, and the club needs to figure out if he is a long-term solution or not.
