Welcome to the big leagues, Angel Genao.
Ahead of their clash with the Mets on Wednesday night, the Guardians called up Genao, their No. 2 prospect on MLB Pipeline, from Triple-A Columbus.
After beginning the season with Double-A Akron, Genao was called up to Triple-A, where he hit .309 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs in 72 games.
Genao was particularly hot as of late, going 37-for-97 (.381) with four home runs and 18 RBIs since July 1.
While he’s primarily a shortstop, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Genao will also see time at second and third base and will start at third in his debut.
Cleveland Guardians’ Angel Genao walks from the batting cage as he warms up before a baseball game against the New York Mets on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in Cleveland. Genao was making his Major League debut. AP Photo/Phil Long
“Angel has been pushing the meter all season, and we felt like it was time,” Vogt told reporters. “It was Angel’s time.”
The 22-year-old grew up idolizing former Guardian and current Met Francisco Lindor, who’ll be in the opposing dugout for his debut. Genao watched highlight videos of Lindor growing up.
The two nearly overlapped in the Guardians organization, though Lindor was traded to the Mets eight days before Genao signed with Cleveland.
In a corresponding move, the Guardians designated infielder Gabriel Arias for assignment, who had a throwing error in the second inning of the Guardians’ 6-2 loss to the Mets on Tuesday.
Angel Genao of the Cleveland Guardians warms up before making his major league debut against the New York Mets on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
Genao will become the 10th player to make their MLB debut with the Guardians this season, as the team has been hampered by injuries, notably to star third baseman Jose Ramirez.
Though Ramirez recently returned from a month-long absence due to a left hamate fracture, the Guardians’ offense has still stumbled.
Cleveland (57-57) is just 6-11 since the All-Star break and is hanging on by a thread in the AL wild-card picture, a half-game ahead of the Twins for the final playoff spot.
Cleveland is three games back of the White Sox for the American League Central lead.
“It’s very special to know that the team is thinking about you when they’re trying to win, especially in this particular moment of the season,” Genao said. “I try to give 100 percent and be positive 100 percent of all the time, try to help the team in any way they need me.”
