Brayan Rocchio’s night ended early in the Cleveland Guardians’ 12-6 win over the Athletics, and the team is now waiting on a clearer read of what’s going on with his left leg.
Rocchio was lifted after the fifth inning, with Angel Genao sliding in at shortstop. At the time, the move wasn’t immediately explained, especially with Cleveland rolling to a comfortable win. Later in the game, the Guardians said Rocchio was removed “for precautionary reasons with left leg tightness.”
There were signs something wasn’t right. Rocchio appeared to be laboring as he ran to first base in his final at-bat, and manager Stephen Vogt said after the game that the shortstop felt something on a throw to first earlier in the contest.
Vogt said the club will have a better idea Sunday morning once Rocchio is evaluated.
"He's been playing a lot, has had a lot of soreness and it just kind of flared up," Vogt explained.
"In the game like that, felt like it was smart to get him off his feet, but we'll know more in the morning."
The Guardians would love for this to be nothing more than a short-term issue. They’re trying to lock down a postseason spot with time running out, and the injury list already has a few familiar names on it, including Chase DeLauter, who is dealing with a wrist issue, and Angel Martinez, who has been sidelined by side soreness.
Rocchio’s timing matters here, too. He’s been one of Cleveland’s most important players in recent weeks, delivering clutch moments at exactly the right time.
Just this week, he came through with a walk-off double in a key series win over the Chicago White Sox. Earlier this month, he also delivered a walk-off home run against the Detroit Tigers.
That’s on top of the defense he’s continued to provide at shortstop. Rocchio has been central to Cleveland’s push lately, and the Guardians need him healthy as they head into the stretch run and, they hope, beyond it.
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