2024 Guardians Spring Training Players Of The Game: Game 3
The Cleveland Guardians earned their second 2024 Cactus League win with a 7-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday 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 Monday’s game and their performances in the contest, here are four Players of the Game.
Milan Tolentino, SS
The 2020 fourth-round pick, who played 99 games across High-A Lake County and Double-A Akron last season, made a strong impression in his first two at-bats of the spring.
First, Tolentino hit a two-out, two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning to extend the Guardians’ lead to 6-2. Then, he hit a single with two outs in the top of the eighth inning.
With a 2-for-2 performance on Monday, the 22-year-old matched his hit total from last spring, which he accumulated in eight games.
David Fry, C
After Josh Naylor put Cleveland on the board first with a two-run single, Fry added to the Guardians' run total.
The 28-year-old catcher hit a two-out, two-run home run to cap off a four-run top of the first inning.
Feb 26, 2024; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher David Fry (6) hits a two-run home run in the second inning against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex.
© Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Lively, RHP
After signing with Cleveland in December, the 31-year-old made his first start for the team on Monday.
The right-hander earned the win, allowing just one hit and one walk, and throwing one strikeout in two innings of work.
Cade Smith, RHP
The reliever, who converted 15 of his 17 save opportunities across Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus last season, had an efficient outing against San Diego.
The 24-year-old pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing one hit and throwing a strikeout.
Up next, Cleveland will face the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday afternoon at 3:05 p.m. EST.
