The Cleveland Guardians shortstop battle has been underwhelming during spring training. Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias were the clear frontrunners coming into camp, but neither player has truly set themselves apart in the race.
Perhaps, the duo is saving their best for the final stretch of camp. They each hit their first home runs of the spring in Cleveland's 8-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday afternoon.
Gabriel Arias
Arias was the first of this Guardians tandem to go deep. He turned on an offspeed pitch from Drew Thorpe and this line drive easily left the yard. Arias is now hitting .160/.250/.320 with an OPS of. 570 in 25 at-bats during spring training.
This homer was topped off a six-run first inning and was the second of back-to-back home runs for the Guardians. The first one was hit by Cleveland's No. 1 ranked prospect Chase DeLauter.
Brayan Rocchio
Rocchio has never typically been known for his power. He's a contact hitter who can put a jolt in a ball if given the right pitch. That's exactly what happened on this pitch also from Thorpe and Rocchio turned on it easily sending the ball over the right field fence.
The switch-hitting prospect is now hitting .242/.286/.424 with a .710 OPS in 33 at-bats during spring training.
It's still a mystery as to who the Guardians will choose to be their Opening Day shortstop. Each player has a unique skill set that makes them viable options if they play up to their potential.
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