Rookie HR Reaction Puts Triple-A Teammates in Spotlight: Guardians Breakfast
CLEVELAND, Ohio — News of Jhonkensy Noel’s first major league home run spread quickly on social media Wednesday as the Guardians rookie became only the fourth player in franchise history to homer a home run in his first big league at-bat. But it was the reaction from Noel’s former Triple-A teammates in Columbus that made the moment a viral sensation.
Video from the Columbus Clippers clubhouse showed several teammates, including No. 6 prospect Juan Brito and No. 22 prospect José Tena jumping and screaming as they watched Noel circle the bases. The Clippers were delayed by rain before their game against Omaha was postponed at Huntington Park.
Noel was loved at every stage of the Guardians player development program. In 207 career games in Columbus, Noel hit 45 home runs and drove in 144. This season, he hit .295 with a .937 OPS in 65 games before his promotion.
Jhonkensy Noel was cool, calm and collected in his first big league at-bat and says he approached the plate like he always does and is really proud of how far he’s come to reach the bigs. #ForTheEarth pic.twitter.com/vVJX5c48MJ
– Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) June 27, 2024
Noel called his teammates’ reaction “important” and said he recognized how special they were in the process that brought him to the big leagues.
“It’s all about work, but it’s much easier when you have good teammates like them,” Noel said through Guardians interpreter Agustin Rivero. “They’ve been with me in difficult times and I thank them for supporting me so far.”
KANSAS CITY, MO – JULY 10: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians bats during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on July 10, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)Getty Images
Crime scene
Don’t blame the Royals if they’re not exactly thrilled to welcome Steven Kwan to Kauffman Stadium for this weekend’s series against the Guardians. Kwan has dominated at the plate in 15 career games at the Kansas City venue.
Since recording 15 hits in his first 10 career starts as a rookie at Kauffman Stadium in 2022, Kwan has gone on to bat .356 with a .988 OPS including two triples, five doubles and seven RBIs at approximate stage.
In 74 at-bats there, Kwan was struck out only three times and allowed 13 walks. The only thing Kwan hasn’t done in KC is go deep, and with seven homers already under his belt this season, that could change quickly.
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And after?
Here’s what’s happening with the Guardians after Wednesday night’s game against the Orioles.
This evening: The Guardians open a four-game series against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium at 8:10 p.m. RHP Ben Lively (7-3, 3.03) will start for the Guardians, while RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 4, 07) should start. for the Royals. Bally Sports Great Lakes, FS 1, WTAM, WMMS and the Guardians Radio Network will broadcast the game.
Friday: Right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie (3-4, 4.66) vs. right-handed pitcher Alex Marsh (5-5, 4.40) at 8:10 p.m.
SATURDAY: RHP Tanner Bibee (6-2, 3.50) vs. LHP Cole Ragans (5-5, 3.03) at 4:10 p.m.
Sunday: LHP Logan Allen (8-3, 5.72) vs. RHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.29) at 2:10 p.m.
Monday: The Guardians are off Monday before opening a three-game series against the White Sox at Progressive Field on Tuesday.
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