Guardians sub in Martínez for injured Freeman on ALDS roster

CLEVELAND -- The Guardians knew infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman had success against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal earlier in the year. This was one of the biggest reasons the utility man was carried on the ALDS roster. But now, he won’t have his chance to step into the batter’s box against the Game 2 starter.

Major League Baseball announced on Monday that it has approved a roster substitution for the Guardians due to a left oblique strain sustained by Freeman during Sunday’s team workout.

As a result, Freeman will be replaced by outfielder Angel Martínez on Cleveland’s roster vs. the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS. Dr. Gary Green, MLB’s medical director, confirmed the injury after a full review of the medical information.

"He said he felt a little bit of something during the machine batting practice yesterday, and then he took a live at-bat off Ben Lively, and on one swing just felt the oblique go," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said of Freeman before Game 2. "It happens. We just feel so much for Free. It's been a rough couple weeks for him, and he's been through a lot. He's been a big part of our team's success, been a big part of what we've created all year long. He'll stay with us, but we had to make the roster move. And just really, really feel for Tyler."

MLB Postseason rules provide that a Club may request permission from the Commissioner’s Office to replace a player who is unable to play because of an injury. The Commissioner’s Office may approve or disapprove the request.

Martínez was already in Cleveland. He had finished the regular season on the Guardians’ roster and had been playing well. So, it wasn’t too detrimental of a loss at this point in the series, but still, the team knows that Freeman could have been beneficial against the AL Cy Young favorite.

The Guardians racked up 10 hits against Skubal the first (and only) time they faced him during the regular season. They only managed to score one run, but they proved that he was hittable. And Freeman was a big part of that, going 3-for-4.

“I think the lineup could have looked different [if Freeman didn’t get hurt],” Vogt said, when asked about Freeman’s success against Skubal.

Martínez brings similar versatility that Freeman does. His athleticism allows him to play in the outfield but he can also play third, shortstop or second base, if Cleveland needs him to.

“He's been working hard, in every meeting, he's prepared, and we've all seen what Angel can bring to our team,” Vogt said. “So while we feel very, very deeply for Free, we're really excited that Angel is going to be active.”