Brayan Rocchio has taken on a new role with the Cleveland Guardians amid recent adversity.
Manager Stephen Vogt said immediately after the Cleveland Guardians lost Jose Ramirez, Angel Martinez, and, at the time, Chase DeLauter to injuries that the responsibilities didn’t fall on one person to step up on offense to fill the void.
That said, at the very least, someone had to fill the void at the top of the lineup with three of Cleveland’s hitters sidelined. Vogt chose to move Rocchio all the way to batting second or third, depending on that game’s lineup, and out of his “home” that the 25-year-old said he found earlier in the season.
Cleveland’s skipper moved Rocchio up in the order because Vogt knew he could handle it. (Rocchio being a switch-hitter helps, too.)
The Guardians are asking a lot from Rocchio, but taking on this new role hasn’t been entirely a smooth transition for him, either.
However, Vogt is confident that this stretch, in which different players get opportunities to take on different roles, will pay off eventually, especially for Rocchio.
May 21, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a double in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesLooking at the stats a little deeper, before moving up in the lineup, Rocchio had a .743 OPS and a 114 wRC+, and was truly establishing himself as one of the American League’s better two-way shortstops.
Since the lineup adjustment, Rocchio has a .615 OPS. More specifically, he has a .428 OPS (14 at-bats) when hitting second and a .705 OPS (36 at-bats) when hitting third.
The good news, and what you want to see from a player taking on a new undertaking for the first time in their career, is progress. Rocchio is currently on a six-game hitting streak and is getting back to hitting the ball with more conviction.
What Vogt is even more excited about is that, with the Guardians asking more of the 25-year-old, he's starting to take on a greater leadership role in the lineup and the clubhouse.
"For Rocchio in particular, has taken a leadership role this year, and this is only gonna help that grow," said Vogt.
"think there's going to be a number of really good things that come out of this stretch... I think we're gonna get a lot of maturity from people."
Until Cleveland gets Jose Ramirez back and the team gets out of this tough part of their schedule, the Guardians could continue to struggle in terms of wins and losses.
As long as there is clear development, even in the case of Rocchio's leadership qualities, these potential struggles will prove beneficial.
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