CLEVELAND -- The early returns on Guardians rookie Angel Genao in the big leagues have been promising. What’s encouraging is we know he’s just getting started.
“I think it's nothing compared to what he's gonna do in his career,” Guardians outfielder Angel Martínez said.
It’s easy to dream about those possibilities considering what Genao (who’s ranked as the Guardians’ No. 1 prospect and No. 29 overall by MLB Pipeline) has done since he made his MLB debut on Aug. 5. In the near term, he’s been impressive on a Cleveland ballclub that is pushing to secure a postseason berth for the third straight season.
The Guardians (70-68) began Wednesday's game with a two-game lead over the Orioles (69-71) and the Rangers (69-71) for the third American League Wild Card spot, while also sitting three games behind the AL Central-leading White Sox (73-65).
As Genao has jumped straight into a postseason push, the 22-year-old is having a lot of fun.
“It’s really good to come to this atmosphere, but it's great to compete,” Genao said through team interpreter Agustin Rivero. “They have welcomed me and helped my game get better. It's important to see the union that all the team has, how united the whole team is. That makes it a lot easier for me to do my best and also be ready to compete as well.”
The switch-hitting Genao entered Wednesday’s game vs. the Blue Jays slashing .263/.325/.382 with three doubles, two home runs, five RBIs and six walks with nine strikeouts through 22 big league games. He’s added a versatile piece to the Guardians’ infield mix; along with making his fourth start at shortstop on Wednesday, Genao has made eight each at second and third base.
Genao’s ability to move around the infield has been valuable for manager Stephen Vogt. The Guardians have been able to insert him at any of the three spots to get third baseman José Ramírez, shortstop Brayan Rocchio or second baseman Travis Bazzana a day off their feet.
Genao isn’t here just to help others stay fresh though. The Guardians want to find spots for him to get into the starting lineup. He’s here to help them win.
“This is a very good baseball player,” Vogt said. “He's been super impressive since he came up.”
We got our latest look at what Genao can do in Tuesday’s 6-1 win over the Blue Jays.
Genao was not in the Guardians’ starting lineup on Tuesday. He pinch-hit for Bazzana in the seventh inning, and immediately greeted lefty Joe Mantiply with a two-run home run. The blast, which went a Statcast-projected 426 feet, had a 105.1 mph exit velocity.
Genao then showed his defensive prowess in the ninth inning. He fielded an Alejandro Kirk ground ball near second base and made a perfect jump throw from the shortstop side of the bag to record the out.
Genao could only help but grin after he made that play. That’s on brand with how he carries himself on and off the field.
“He's a special player,” Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey said. “He puts together really competitive at-bats, unbelievable with the glove. He's always got a smile on his face. Like, no matter what he's doing, he's always got a smile.
“There's no one happier to be in the big leagues and to be here than Genao, which is so cool.”
Genao said he is feeling more comfortable each day he spends in the Majors. He stressed the key for him right now is to pay attention to all the details, such as what he learns from teammates and the Guardians’ coaching staff, and to try to get better along the way.
For a guy who’s still growing and trying to get his feet under him at the highest level during a postseason push, preparation is paramount, certainly when the natural shortstop moves to second or third.
“When you have the preparation, that communication with all the coaches, that instills confidence in me that I'm able to do it,” Genao said. “That's what makes it easier. We prepare, we talk a lot, and when I'm there, I'm able to do my best and just make sure to make the play.”
Angel Martínez noted he has talked to Genao consistently since he joined the roster last month. He tries to offer advice where he can. But he’s also trying to learn from Genao.
“He's really talented,” Martínez said. “But his mindset, the way that he approaches the game, I think that's his biggest tool. I'm just happy to have him here.”