In the world of baseball, sometimes the waiting game is as intense as the action on the field. Just ask Angel Martinez and Colin Holderman of the Guardians. Manager Stephen Vogt kept the suspense alive until the very last moment, revealing their spots on the roster just before the final spring game against Arizona.
Martinez, a switch-hitter, celebrated his roster spot in style. He kicked off the game with a leadoff single, stole second base, and scored on Brayan Rocchio’s two-run homer, helping the Guardians to a 10-5 victory. “He told me before the game,” Martinez shared, reflecting on the moment before the team’s workout at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
Meanwhile, Holderman’s confirmation came even later, only assured of his Opening Day roster spot after the team’s arrival in Seattle. The tension was palpable, but both players handled it with grace, understanding the fluid nature of roster decisions.
Vogt appreciated their patience, noting, “Angel and Colin were great about it. They were in the loop the whole time.” And when Martinez got the nod, Vogt received a heartfelt hug in return.
This isn’t Vogt’s first rodeo; he’s had the pleasure of informing All-Star Jose Ramirez of his roster spot for three consecutive years. Ramirez’s response is always a confident nod, as if there was ever any doubt.
Martinez’s spring stats were impressive: a .356 average with five doubles, four homers, and a 1.196 OPS. Holderman, signed to a one-year deal in December, made nine appearances this spring with a 9.00 ERA, striking out 10 in nine innings.
C.J. Kayfus, on the other hand, had a smoother ride.
He was informed a week prior that his spot was secure. After bulking up over the winter, he showed off his new strength with an exit velocity of 112 mph in batting practice.
Kayfus hit .282 with two homers in spring training, and the Guardians are looking forward to seeing more of that power at the plate.
The Guardians are starting the season with a quartet of first basemen: Kayfus, Kyle Manzardo, Rhys Hoskins, and David Fry. With a mix of left and right-handed bats, Vogt plans to play the matchups, giving Kayfus and Manzardo the nod against righties, while Fry and Hoskins will step in against left-handers.
As the Guardians gear up for the season opener against the Mariners, RHP Tanner Bibee is set to take the mound, facing off against Seattle’s RHP Logan Gilbert. Fans can catch all the action on Guardians.TV and WTAM/1100.
Here’s the projected lineup for the opener: CF Steven Kwan, RF Chase DeLauter, 3B Jose Ramirez, 1B Kyle Manzardo, DH Rhys Hoskins, LF Angel Martinez, C Bo Naylor, SS Gabriel Arias, and 2B Brayan Rocchio. With this lineup, the Guardians are ready to make some noise this season.