Guardians Demote Jhonkensy Noel, Recall Johnathan Rodriguez from Triple-A

The Cleveland Guardians just made a big roster move. They sent outfielder Jhonkensy Noel down to Triple-A Columbus and called up Johnathan Rodriguez, who’s been on fire lately.

This decision feels like a turning point for both guys. Noel needs to find his confidence again, while Rodriguez gets another crack at the majors.

Jhonkensy Noel once looked like a rising star, especially after that clutch home run in the 2024 ALCS. Fans still talk about it. But this year hasn’t gone his way at all.

Through 46 games, Noel has hit just .146 with two homers and nine RBI. The numbers tell the story, but you could also just see it—he looked lost, and the pressure kept building.

Manager Stephen Vogt didn’t sugarcoat things. He said Noel needs to step back, relax, and work on his game in Triple-A.

They’re not punishing him here. The idea is to give him space to breathe and get his swing right again.

The Rise of Johnathan Rodriguez

With Noel gone, the Guardians turned to Johnathan Rodriguez. He’s been crushing it in Columbus, and honestly, it’s hard to ignore his numbers.

He started the year on the Opening Day roster but got sent down after only five big league at-bats. Down in Triple-A, though, Rodriguez hit .324 with seven homers and 32 RBI. That .902 OPS jumps off the page.

Rodriguez didn’t have an easy road back. He worked on his swing, made real changes, and manager Stephen Vogt noticed. Vogt praised his attitude and the adjustments he made in the minors.

How This Move Impacts the Guardians

The Guardians are stuck right now. They need more offense, but they also want to develop young talent for the future.

With a bunch of games coming up against lefties, bringing Rodriguez back isn’t just for show. They need his bat in the lineup—now more than ever.

Rodriguez has picked the perfect time to get hot. Cleveland’s desperate for some power and consistency, and maybe he can provide both.

Whether he sticks around depends on what he does with this opportunity. If he keeps hitting, the Guardians will have to find a spot for him.

Balancing Development with Production

It’s always a tough balance—developing players versus chasing wins. Sending Noel down gives him a chance to reset, but it also means the team wants results right now.

By calling up Rodriguez, the Guardians are betting on someone who’s actually producing. It’s a shift in priorities, at least for the moment.

What’s Next for the Guardians?

Noel is regrouping in the minors, while Rodriguez looks ready to make an impact. The Guardians hope these moves can jumpstart their offense as they head deeper into the 2025 season.

They’re about to face more left-handed pitching, so it seems like the team is ready to make tough calls to get the most out of their lineup. Sometimes, you just have to shake things up.

For fans, this roster change gives a peek at the ongoing tug-of-war between developing talent and staying competitive. Is this trip to Columbus what Noel needs? Maybe this is the shot Rodriguez has been working toward.

Rodriguez steps into the spotlight now, hoping to bring his Triple-A success to the majors. Can his bat provide the spark Cleveland’s lineup is missing?

No one can say for sure, but the Guardians have made it clear—they expect results, and they’re not afraid to make changes along the way.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Guardians option struggling OF Jhonkensy Noel to Triple-A, recall Johnathan Rodriguez