Arias (left hamstring strain) begins rehab as infield mix questions loom

NEW YORK -- Gabriel Arias has missed most of the 2026 season with a left hamstring strain, and the 26-year-old will soon take a key step in his quest to rejoin the Guardians’ infield mix.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt noted that Arias is set to begin a Minor League rehab assignment, for which the 20-day window will begin on Thursday. Arias is scheduled to suit up for Triple-A Columbus in its contest vs. Omaha at Huntington Park.

Arias has played in just 10 games this season due to a moderate left hamstring strain, which he suffered in the Guardians’ 4-2 loss to the Royals on April 6 while running the bases. When he went on the 10-day injured list on April 7, his projected return-to-play timeline was four to eight weeks.

However, Vogt noted on May 8 that Arias’ rehab had “hit a little snag,” and consequently it was “going to be a little bit longer.”

The Guardians transferred Arias to the 60-day injured list on Friday, but that was just a procedural move that opened a spot on the 40-man roster as Cleveland sought flexibility. Arias has been completing baseball activities, though given his long layoff, his rehab assignment could be closer to the maximum allotted time.

“He’s going to need some time,” Vogt said. “This is a guy who plays every day. We need to build him back up to being able to play back-to-back nine-inning games, so it's going to take some time on Gabby.”

In 32 plate appearances this season, Arias has a .200/.250/.433 slash line with one double, two home runs, four RBIs, two walks and 12 strikeouts. He went 5-for-14 (.357) and logged each of his three extra-base hits over his final five games before the injury.

The big question facing the Guardians is how to proceed once Arias is ready to return to the Majors.

Opening Day second baseman Brayan Rocchio moved back to shortstop (his natural position) after Arias got injured, and the 25-year-old is enjoying a breakout season. In 59 games entering Wednesday, Rocchio had a .295/.376/.416 slash line, all of which would be new career highs.

Travis Bazzana, meanwhile, has a firm lock on second base as he has continually impressed since he made his MLB debut on April 28. Bazzana has slashed .292/.382/.451 through 31 games.

Arias has demonstrated versatility over his career at the big league level. He has played everywhere but catcher for Cleveland, and in an interesting development has been taking ground balls at shortstop and third base in recent weeks.

José Ramírez is of course entrenched at third base for the Guardians, but Arias’ experience playing multiple positions could help him fit into Cleveland’s roster puzzle as a depth infielder who can move around the diamond.

The Guardians will have some decisions to make in the near future. First, Arias will reassimilate himself with the rhythms of game action, beginning on Thursday.