Guardians slugger Franmil Reyes to return against Twins

The Cleveland Guardians have thus far enjoyed a successful road trip, including a sweep of the Colorado Rockies and two wins out of three games vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Cleveland hopes a fresh face will keep the good times rolling into the start of summer. 

It was learned ahead of the weekend that slugger and designated hitter Franmil Reyes was nearing his return from the strained right hamstring that has had him on the injured list since May 25. Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com noted late Sunday night that Reyes will join the Guardians when they begin a three-game series at the first-place Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. 

Cleveland will have to make a corresponding roster move, and Hoynes wrote that outfielder Richie Palacios is "the most likely candidate" to be optioned for assignment because manager Terry Francona wants Palacios to get everyday at-bats. 

Reyes was in the middle of a frustrating slump, batting just .195 (26-for-133) with three home runs, 12 RBI and a 43% strikeout rate, before his injury that has kept him out of the big-league lineup since May 24. However, the 26-year-old batted .429 (9-for-21) with two home runs and six RBI during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. 

Cleveland, meanwhile, is off Monday and sits at 34-28. The Guardians trail the Twins by only a game in the American League Central standings.