CLEVELAND — As the Cleveland Guardians look to bounce back from a stretch in which they have lost six of their last seven games, they're turning to their minor league system for a jolt.
The Guardians are promoting their former top prospect, Nolan Jones, from Triple-A Columbus. The expectation is that Jones will join Cleveland in Kansas City on Friday for the start of a three-game series against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
In addition, the Guardians have also activated catcher Austin Hedges from the 7-day injured list. To make room for Jones and Hedges, Cleveland optioned OF Richie Palacios to AAA Columbus and designated C Sandy León for assignment.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft, the left-handed-hitting Jones has long been considered one of the top prospects in the Guardians' organization. Midway through the 2019 season, the Langhorne, Pennsylvania, native ranked as Cleveland's No. 1 prospect according to MLB.com, a title he held until was passed by infielder Tyler Freeman midway through the 2021 campaign.
Following a disappointing 2021 season, Jones -- who at one point ranked as high as the No. 36 prospect in all of baseball -- entered 2022 ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the Guardians organization. He has since responded by hitting for a .311 average (.917 OPS), three home runs and 25 RBI through his first 23 games with Triple-A Columbus this season.
While his rise through the minor leagues has primarily come as a third baseman, Jones has only played in the outfield and as a designated hitter this season in anticipation of his Major League debut. The 24-year-old could find immediate playing time in right field with Oscar Gonzalez having been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right intercostal strain.