Guardians get massive boost for Rays series

The Cleveland Guardians made a pair of roster changes Friday ahead of their series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, activating outfielder/infielder Angel Martinez and left-handed reliever Tim Herrin from the injured list.

To make room on the 26-man roster, Cleveland optioned utility player Daniel Schneemann and left-hander Will Dion to Triple-A Columbus.

Martinez returns after missing time since mid-June because of a non-displaced fracture in his left foot. He suffered the injury on June 13 against the Detroit Tigers after fouling a ball off his foot.

Before the injury, Martinez provided offensive production for the Guardians. In 66 games this season, he is batting .239 with 11 home runs, 11 doubles, one triple, 33 RBIs and nine stolen bases.

Herrin also returns after landing on the 15-day injured list on July 9 because of a left elbow contusion. The injury occurred after he was hit by a line-drive comebacker before the All-Star break.

Cleveland’s latest roster moves come after Jose Ramirez returned from his hamate fracture earlier in the week. Ramirez reached base twice in each of his first two games back against the Minnesota Twins.

The Guardians’ lineup now has several crucial pieces back, giving the team more depth as it continues to rely on its pitching and contact-focused approach. However, Cleveland has dealt with inconsistencies that have kept the team from pulling away in the American League Central.

Schneemann, who was sent to Triple-A, is batting .206 with six home runs and 28 RBIs this season. Dion, who also received the option, appeared in nine games for the Guardians with a 5.17 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 15.2 innings.