Guardians infielder Juan Brito will miss 8 to 12 weeks due to thumb surgery following a ligament sprain incurred while sliding into third base. Though he is currently on the optional assignment, he is expected to be placed on the minor league injured list. After being acquired from the Rockies in 2022, this injury poses challenges for Brito, especially as he heads into his final option year.

By the Numbers
  • Brito's statistics include 23 home runs and 17 stolen bases over 160 Triple-A games since the start of 2024.
  • His .259/.369/.447 batting line gives him a wRC+ of 117.
State of Play
  • Guardians have split second base duties between Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann, who are both performing well.
  • Brito's absence reduces infield depth, although other infielders like José Ramírez and Brayan Rocchio are available.
  • Prospect Travis Bazzana is also progressing but has limited professional experience.
What's Next

As Brito recovers, the Guardians will monitor their infield depth closely. If further injuries occur, they may consider promoting Bazzana or shifting outfielders to cover infield positions. Staying healthy will be crucial for Brito's future opportunities on the major league roster.

Bottom Line

Juan Brito’s surgery comes at a crucial time, impacting his playing chances in 2025 and his status heading into a critical option year. His recovery and performance upon return will be essential not just for his career but also for the Guardians' infield depth moving forward.