CLEVELAND — Jhonkensy Noel, who hit a game-tying homer in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, used to be optioned to Triple-A Columbus via the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday.
Noel batted best .146 with two homers and 9 RBIs in 46 video games after making the outlet day roster for the primary time. The right-handed hitter discovered himself at the quick facet of a platoon in correct box, restricting him to 103 at-bats.
“It hasn’t been the start to the season that he would have liked or that we would have liked,” supervisor Stephen Vogt stated. “We know how good of a player that he is, so we told Jhonkensy to just go play, go relax and go back to being you.”
Nicknamed “Big Christmas,” the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder belted a pinch-hit, two-run homer within the 9th inning of what turned into a 7-5 victory over the New York Yankees in 10 innings final Oct. 17.
Cleveland misplaced the ALCS in 5 video games, however Noel’s shot to left box used to be one of the vital extra memorable moments at Progressive Field for the reason that ballpark opened in 1994.
“We still hold true to the belief that Jhonkensy — the best version of him — helps us win games,” Vogt stated. “He plays an unbelievable right field, he’s a good baserunner and he has the power to hit it out of the yard. It just hasn’t been there yet this year.”
Johnathan Rodriguez used to be recalled from Columbus and began in correct box within the Guardians’ three-game collection finale towards the Houston Astros.
Cleveland additionally introduced that outfielder Will Brennan and right-hander Andrew Walters will each go through surgical treatment Monday.
Brennan has been sidelined with left elbow irritation since May 22, whilst Walters skilled a correct lat pressure May 30 whilst pitching towards Angels megastar Mike Trout.