Guardians option struggling Noel to Triple-A

The Cleveland Guardians optioned struggling outfielder Jhonkensy Noel to Triple-A, the club announced Sunday.

Cleveland recalled outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez in a corresponding roster move.

Noel is hitting .146 with a pair of home runs, 12 runs scored, and nine RBIs across 46 games this season. He has struck out 34 times and drawn only three walks in 103 at-bats.

Noel was Cleveland's Opening Day starter in right field, but he struggled defensively, ranking in the 21st percentile in Baseball Savant's outs above average.

The 23-year-old emerged as a fan favorite in 2024, earning the nickname "Big Christmas." He hit 13 home runs and posted a .774 OPS in 67 regular-season contests last year. Noel also hit a clutch, game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 3 of Cleveland's ALCS matchup against the New York Yankees.