Tyler

Freeman

With Tyler Freeman sustaining an oblique injury, Martínez will be called up to take his place as a versatile bench option for the ALDS. The switch-hitter bated just .232/.298/.338 with three home runs and three steals in 43 games this season, but he can hit from both sides of the plate and play most positions around the field, which makes him a solid bench option for the Guardians.

Freeman finished the season in Triple-A, so it was a bit of a surprise that he made the ALDS roster over Angel Martínez; however, the injury will now rob him over the opportunity to play in a postseason game. Martínez will be added to take his place.

That leaves no room for Ben Lively. Cobb makes the team despite not having pitched since Sept. 1 due to a finger blister. We imagine he’ll start Game 3 over Cantillo, but we’ll see. The other mild surprise here is that utilityman Tyler Freeman, who finished the season in Triple-A, has made the roster over Angel Martínez.

Freeman simply wasn’t playing very much recently. He appeared in five games in September with only one start. Freeman hit .209 with seven home runs, 32 RBI and 11 RBI for the Guardians this year.

Breanna has started three straight games since being recalled, going 5-for-12 with one run scored and one RBI. However, with the Cubs throwing left-hander Shota Imanaga, the Guardians will go with their platoon lineup, which means Jhonkensy Noel will play right field, Tyler Freeman will play shortstop and both Brennan and Brayan Rocchio will head to the bench.

Martinez has started 27 of 30 games since he was recalled last month, so this is rather surprising, even if he had been slumping. The 22-year-old was hitting .236/.306/.373 overall. The Guardians will likely give his playing time to the recalled Will Brennan and Tyler Freeman.

It appears to be a typical rest day for the veteran with Tyler Freeman starting at second base against left-hander Trevor Rogers. However, the acquisition of Lane Thomas at the trade deadline has given the Guardians the ability to have a strict platoon lineup against left-handed pitchers. With Thomas in the outfield now, and Jhonkensy Noel continuing to play right field against lefties, Tyler Freeman is free to move to the infield against lefties with Brayan Rocchio also playing up the middle. That means players like Giménez and Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martinez could find themselves in more strict platoons going forward if they struggle against lefties

The triple was the only hit the Guardians picked up off Dylan Cease and the San Diego bullpen. It’s the first triple of the season for the 25-year-old, but he has the speed to possibly pick up a few more before the season ends. It won’t matter because a .218/.313/.351 slash essentially unplayable in fantasy leagues.

Freeman is back in center field and batting seventh following a three-game absence due to lingering right wrist discomfort.

The home run was Freeman’s seventh of the season to go along with 30 RBI. Despite some concerns about his playing time, Freeman has started five of the last six games in center field for the Guardians. His expected stats still suggest there should be some batting average gains coming for the 25-year-old, but he might never be a real asset in that category. Still, given his most power/speed upside and regular role, Freeman is worth rostering in deeper formats.