GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Guardians announced the latest cuts from their big league Spring Training camp on Monday, which included a trio of players on their Top 30 Prospects list.
The Guardians optioned infielder Angel Genao and outfielder Kahlil Watson to Triple-A Columbus, and they reassigned first baseman Ralphy Velazquez, outfielder Wuilfredo Antunez and right-hander Jack Leftwich to Minor League camp. The roster stands at 50 players.
Genao has hit .250 (5-for-20) over nine Cactus League appearances while playing shortstop and third base. The 21-year-old was one of the youngest players in camp but stood out for how he carried himself.
“I was very impressed with Angel,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “I thought his maturity [stood out]. He did a great job with his body. This kid's physical, he's strong. But just the confidence that he exudes when he's playing the infield and at the batter's box, we saw a very mature player out there. It's really exciting for the future of Angel Genao."
Genao was optioned to Columbus, but will likely open the season with Double-A Akron. Last season marked his first stint with the RubberDucks, but he was limited to 77 games after dealing with a right shoulder strain early in the season. The Guardians added him to their 40-man roster in November.
Velazquez was Cleveland's youngest player in big league camp, but the 20-year-old made a big impression for his advanced offensive approach, his work defensively at first base and his ability on the basepaths. He has hit .385 (5-for-13 ) with two doubles over nine games.
The Guardians have a crowded outfield mix this spring, hence Watson's option. But it would not be a surprise if we see the 22-year-old (whom the Guardians also added to their 40-man roster in November) sooner rather than later this season.
Vogt has been effusive in his praise of Watson, who converted from infield to outfield full-time last year and can play all three spots. Watson is 6-for-14 (.429) with two doubles and one triple over eight games this spring.
“Kahlil Watson impressed us just as much as -- if not the most -- out of everybody in camp,” Vogt said. “The growth in the outfield, the advanced approach at the plate. He looks like a big leaguer in the box.
“Just his demeanor, his ability to relate to his teammates, I think we're all really excited about Kahlil Watson's future.”
Gaddis update
Vogt noted that Hunter Gaddis (who has been day to day with right forearm tightness) will be going through his normal throwing program out to 90 and 120 feet. The Guardians anticipate he will get back to throwing off a mound in the coming days.
Gaddis traveled home over the weekend to attend his fiancé’s graduation from veterinary school. He was able to work out and throw, and is now back in Arizona. The Guardians are taking things day by day with the right-hander's status right now.
"It's too early to put any other kind of label on it, other than he's back in the building going on his throwing progression today," Vogt said.
Gaddis has made one Cactus League appearance, on Feb. 27 against the Cubs, before he was sidelined by the forearm issue. He underwent imaging that came back clean, and began his progression on Thursday with weighted ball work.
Next steps for Bazzana and Fairchild
Travis Bazzana and Stuart Fairchild’s World Baseball Classic stints came to a close on Monday, when Australia and Chinese Taipei were eliminated from the tournament in pool play. Korea advanced over the two by virtue of a three-way tiebreaker.
“But obviously we're gonna see how they feel with jet lag, making sure that they're 100 percent ready to get back in,” Vogt said. “But we anticipate to see both of them back in games here [at the] end of the week, weekend, and get them back into camp.”