Chris Antonetti Addresses Guardians' Catching Situation, Bo Naylor
Cleveland Guardians fans were previewed with a glimpse of what the future holds when the notification finally comes up that reads, "Guardians Call-Up Bo Naylor." The highly-ranked prospect was called up as the 27th man for Sunday's doubleheader and made a few appearances.
However, Cleveland optioned back to Triple-A on Monday ending his second run with the Big League club.
Naylor is slashing .257/.391/.507 with an OPS of .898 in Columbus this season. He's ready for the Show. Especially considering the lack of production Cleveland has received from their catchers this season.
Mike Zunino, who was signed for his offense, and Cam Gallagher have combined for just four hits in the Month of May. Sure, Naylor may not be an elite catching defender, but it can't be too much worse than the production the Guardians have already gotten behind the plate.
Chris Antonetti addressed the situation with Naylor before Monday's game against the White Sox.
Watch the full video here:
He said,
"We don't look at it as 'ready' because development continues where a guy is. I think we look at it as 'What is our Major League situation, what is our need?' and then is the player ready, or in a position to come up and contribute in a positive way and help us win games."
Antonetti went on to specifically address the concern that is the underperforming duo of Zunino and Gallagher saying,
"We are hopeful it will continue to get better as Bo is developing in Triple-A. We hope we can continue to get better with the results up here with Z and Cam. Again both of them continue to put in the work to try and make that happen, the results just haven't been what anyone has wanted so far."
As for now, it seems that the organization is set on riding with Zunino and Gallagher until further notice. Now the question is, what else needs to happen for them to look for a change?
----
Read More:
The Guardians Need To Get Tyler Freeman The Playing Time He Deserves
Guardians Swpet For The First Time This Season, Mets Take Series
WATCH: Jose Ramirez Blasts Home Run Off Justin Verlander
This Is What Terry Francona Believes Is Behind Bullpen's Struggles
Hunter Gaddis To Start For Guardians On Monday Against White Sox
Be sure to stay locked into Cleveland Baseball Insider all the time:
SUBSCRIBE to the CBI YouTube channel
Follow Cleveland Baseball Insider on Twitter: @CBI_FanNation
Photo Credit © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
