Closer look at Cleveland infield that has club in first

 The Guardians enter the third game of the series in Philadelphia on the Sunday before Memorial Day in a very good spot as they sit in first place in the AL Central by 3 1/2 games. That lead was produced in part on a 7-game win streak, which included a four-game sweep on the road of the rival Detroit Tigers.

Let's look at the infield that taken the field for manager Stephen Vogt for much of  2026 campaign.

First base has been a rotation with Kyle Manzardo, Rhys Hoskins, and Chase DeLauter. Manzardo has improved greatly as a fielder and gives the Guardians left-handed pop off the bench. DeLauter has been one of the premier rookies. Hoskins has provided right-handed power and a discerning eye at the plate.

Second base is now manned by highly touted rookie Travis Bazzana. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 Draft has not been overmatched in the big leagues since being called up earlier in the year. He gets on base via the walk, can steal a base, and has shown some power at the plate. He looks to be a bit of a project on the defensive side of the ball.

Shortstop has been filled for the most part by Brayan Rocchio. You may recall that Gabriel Arias was the team's starting shortstop on Opening Night in Seattle, but he has been sidelined since April with a hamstring issue. 

Rocchio has been a pleasant surprise on offense and is one of the team's best hitters thus far. He has also been stellar on defense.

The heart and soul of the franchise patrols third base, and that is Jose Ramirez. A slow start on the offensive end for the perennial all-star, he's hitting far below his career average at .229 with eight home runs and 24 RBI, but he does lead the American League in stolen bases with 20.

Next will look at the outfield:

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