Spring training numbers don’t always tell the whole story.
And for Johnathan Rodriguez, a solid performance at the plate still wasn’t enough to secure a spot on Cleveland’s Opening Day roster.

Guardians Begin Final Roster Cuts as Johnathan Rodriguez Is Optioned to Triple-A

With the 2026 Major League Baseball season rapidly approaching, the Cleveland Guardians have begun making the difficult roster decisions that signal the final phase of spring training.

On Sunday, the organization announced four roster moves, trimming down the competition in big-league camp as the team edges closer to finalizing its Opening Day roster.

For some players, the news means another opportunity to refine their skills in the minors. For others, it marks a temporary pause in their push toward the major leagues.

But the most notable move involved outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez, whose strong spring showing still wasn’t enough to secure a spot with the big club.

Johnathan Rodriguez Optioned Despite Solid Spring

Rodriguez entered spring training with a legitimate opportunity to compete for a place on Cleveland’s roster.

The Guardians have been searching for additional right-handed bats, with only four right-handed hitters currently listed on the team’s 40-man roster. That situation created a window for Rodriguez to make his case.

At first glance, his spring numbers appeared encouraging.

Rodriguez recorded:

6 hits in 22 at-bats
.273 batting average

While the contact was consistent, one key element was missing — power.

None of his hits went for extra bases, something the Guardians had hoped to see from a player whose offensive profile suggests the ability to drive the ball.

Because of that, the organization ultimately decided that Rodriguez would benefit from beginning the season in Triple-A, where he can continue developing while remaining a potential call-up option later in the year.

For the young outfielder, the door to the majors is far from closed.

Catchers Huff and Ingle Reassigned

The Guardians also reassigned Kody Huff and Cooper Ingle to Minor League camp, reducing the catching depth in big-league camp.

Both players spent time with the major league squad earlier this spring, filling an important role while starting catcher Bo Naylor represented Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

With Naylor now back in camp at Goodyear, the team no longer requires the additional catchers at the major league level during spring training.

Huff and Ingle will now return to their respective minor league preparations as they continue working their way through the organization’s development system.

Cooper Ingle Leaves Strong Impression

Although his time in big-league camp has ended for now, Cooper Ingle impressed the Guardians’ coaching staff during his stint.

Manager Stephen Vogt spoke highly of the young catcher’s development — particularly the improvements he has made defensively.

“We know this kid can hit,” Vogt said. “He works extremely hard at that.”

But what caught the coaching staff’s attention most was his growth behind the plate.

According to Vogt, Ingle has made strides in several critical areas:

Game planning with pitchers
Defensive positioning
Overall catcher management

“He’s super athletic,” Vogt added. “He took a big step forward last year, and we’re excited for Cooper’s future.”

For a young player climbing the organization’s depth chart, that kind of endorsement carries real significance.

Dayan Frias Returns From World Baseball Classic

The fourth player involved in Sunday’s roster decisions was infielder Dayan Frias.

Frias recently returned to Cleveland after representing Team Colombia in the World Baseball Classic.

With his international duties complete, the Guardians reassigned him to Minor League camp, where he will resume preparing for the upcoming season within the organization’s system.

The move allows Frias to regain rhythm after international competition and continue developing his skills.

Guardians’ Roster Now Down to 44 Players

Following Sunday’s roster adjustments, the Guardians’ spring training roster now sits at 44 players.

More decisions are expected in the coming days as Cleveland moves closer to finalizing the group that will begin the 2026 campaign.

Spring training always brings difficult choices.

Every roster spot matters, and organizations must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term player development.

For Cleveland, the process reflects a team determined to build a strong roster while continuing to invest in its growing pipeline of young talent.

The Competition Isn’t Over Yet

Inside the Guardians clubhouse, the competition for the final roster spots is only becoming more intense.

Players still in camp have just a handful of opportunities left to prove they belong on the Opening Day roster.

For those already sent to the minors, the message remains simple.

Keep working.
Stay ready.

Because in baseball, opportunities can appear suddenly — and the road back to the major leagues is always open.