CLEVELAND -- If it wasn't already evident that sidelined outfielder Angel Martínez is close to being ready to rejoin the Guardians’ active roster, the man himself made it clear when asked on Thursday.
“I’ve been,” Martínez said with a smile Thursday morning. “I’m good to go.”
Martínez has been on the comeback trail from a non-displaced left foot fracture, which he suffered fouling a pitch off his foot on June 13. The 24-year-old began a rehab assignment on Friday and took a key step toward coming off the injured list this week, when he played on consecutive days for the first time.
Martínez played with Double-A Akron on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“It was really good. It was really, really good,” Martínez said.
Here’s everything you need to know about Martínez’s rehab assignment.
How did he perform?
Martínez played nine innings in Akron's 7-6 win over Altoona in 10 innings on Wednesday. He batted second and played left field, going 1-for-4 with a walk and a single. On Tuesday, in the third game of his rehab assignment, Martínez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double. He batted second and started in center field, and played seven innings defensively in Akron's 8-7 loss to Altoona.
Martínez hit second and started in left field for Triple-A Columbus on Friday against Indianapolis, in his first rehab game. He went 0-for-2 before the contest was suspended until Saturday due to rain. Martínez grounded out to second base in his first at-bat, and grounded out to shortstop his second trip to the plate.
Martínez rejoined the Clippers’ lineup on Sunday, hitting second and playing right field. He went 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles and a sacrifice fly while playing seven innings defensively.
What’s next?
Martínez went through a pregame workout at Progressive Field prior to Thursday's matinee against the Twins. The Guardians wanted to see how he felt after that following his game action Wednesday evening before they determined the next steps.
Assuming there are no hiccups, all signs point toward Martínez rejoining the Guardians for their weekend series against the Rays in St. Petersburg.
What are they saying?
Asked what his conversations with the Guardians have been like, Martínez noted, “I’m just waiting on them."
What else?
Martínez has been sidelined for over one month, but he nonetheless entered Thursday tied with Chase DeLauter, Rhys Hoskins and Kyle Manzardo for the team lead in home runs (11). His .718 OPS through 66 games is a marked improvement over 2025 (.628 in 139 games).
Martínez has spent most of his time in left (35 starts) and right field (18) this season, while mixing in some time in center (three). Cleveland faces an interesting roster decision as he gets set to rejoin the fold.
The Guardians’ outfield picture currently features DeLauter, Steven Kwan, Petey Halpin and Swiss Army knife Daniel Schneemann. The Guardians optioned Kahlil Watson (who’s ranked as their No. 12 prospect by MLB Pipeline) to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday as a corresponding move to José Ramírez coming off the IL.
That move was possible in part because of Schneemann's ability to play outfield. But it doesn't sound like the Guardians are about to pigeon hole him into a role on the grass, given the value in his ability to move around.
"There's really nothing set in stone," manager Stephen Vogt said pregame Wednesday. "Schnee's versatility is definitely going to be a huge factor for us. He can play the outfield, play the infield, and Gabby [Arias] can play all over the infield. So we feel like we've got two very good utility players there. We'll see what happens moving forward."
Halpin (who had a .594 OPS in 84 plate appearances over 36 games entering Thursday) could return to Columbus once Martínez is ready to be activated. However, he has hit .320 (8-for-25) in eight games this month and is strong defensively, which could warrant him sticking around.