Guardians urged to call up World Baseball Classic star to replace George Valera originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Guardians are making a change in the outfield.
However, fans will have to wait at least one more day to learn who will be taking over the open roster spot.
Cleveland optioned outfielder George Valera to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday. However, the AL Central club is off today and does not need to announce the corresponding move until Friday.
Cade Cracas of Sports Illustrated wrote Thursday that the Guardians should consider promoting one of Team Chinese Taipei's stars from the World Baseball Classic.
"Of every player in Cleveland's minor league system, right-handed outfielder Stuart Fairchild makes the most sense," Cracas wrote. "While he isn't on the 40-man roster yet, meaning the Guardians are going to have to free up space for him to be added, he was signed this past offseason to give the team outfield depth."
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In 76 at-bats in Triple-A, Fairchild is hitting .316/.422/.526 with a .968 OPS. The 30-year-old hit two home runs in four games for Chinese Taipei in the WBC.
"With how strugglesome the Guardians' base running has been in late-game situations, and just the general lack of speed on them, Fairchild would be a nice addition for Stephen Vogt and the coaching staff," Cracas added. "The club is also missing out on right-handed bats, which is another plus to Fairchild."
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