2024 Guardians Spring Training Players Of The Game: Game 1
The Cleveland Guardians began their 2024 Cactus League schedule with a 4-0 defeat to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon.
With 90 players representing the Guardians during spring training (40-man roster, 22 non-roster invitees, and 28 depth camp players), each game’s roster will vary.
Based on Cleveland’s roster for Saturday’s game and their performances in the contest, here are four Players of the Game.
Steven Kwan, LF
Cleveland’s mainstay leadoff hitter picked up where he left off from last season, going 2-for-2 with a pair of singles in his two plate appearances.
He was the only Guardians player with multiple hits on the day.
Brayan Rocchio, SS
The Guardians’ second-ranked prospect according to Baseball America fared well both offensively and defensively.
He went 1-for-2 at the plate, recording a single in the bottom of the second inning. But before his lone hit of the day, the 23-year-old helped turn an inning-ending double play in the top of the first inning.
Baseball fans walk the concourse of Goodyear Ballpark before the the inning during a MLB spring training baseball game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz.
© Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Hunter Gaddis, RHP
The 25-year-old, who made 11 appearances (seven starts) for Cleveland last season, entered the game in relief to begin the second inning.
The right-hander had an efficient outing, pitching a perfect inning with a strikeout, a groundout, and a flyout.
Randy Labaut, LHP
A member of the Guardians’ Depth Camp, the 27-year-old made 33 combined appearances (one start) across Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus last season.
After inheriting runners on first and second with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, the left-hander struck out the only batter he faced to end the frame.
Up next, Cleveland will face the Seattle Mariners on Sunday afternoon at 3:10 p.m. EST.
