Guardians notes: Ramon Laureano DFA; Johnathan Rodriguez recalled from Triple-A Columbus to fill roster spot

CLEVELAND — The Guardians finally reached the end of the line with struggling outfielder Ramon Laureano. The five-year veteran was designated for assignment prior to the series opener against the Mets on Monday, while Triple-A Columbus' Johnathan Rodriguez was recalled to fill his roster spot. Laureano, a former teammate of manager Stephen Vogt with the A's in 2022, never found his footing offensively, batting only .143 with a home run and four RBIs and striking out 32 times over 31 games. "J-Rod's been hitting really well in Columbus," Vogt said. "He's been driving the ball all over the ballpark, been playing pretty good defense and really starting to mature and develop as a player overall. Really excited to have J-Rod here and see what he can bring. "And, obviously, on the flip side, really disappointing and sad day to let Ramon go, especially with my relationship with him being a former teammate. It was just time on both sides. Obviously, not a fun day or decision." Rodriguez, 24, a third-round draft pick in 2017, is hitting .276 for Columbus with seven homers and 28 RBIs and an .838 OPS in 43 games. "I think he's ready. Obviously, our organization as a whole believes he's ready," Vogt said. "I think it's the different experiences and things he's been through but also the fact that he's worked really hard and done some things that we asked of him coming out of spring training. (Columbus manager) Andy Tracy does such a good job down there of helping those guys develop into major leaguers." In a groove Since allowing five runs and walking six in an 8-2 loss to the Yankees on April 13, right-hander Triston McKenzie hasn't surrendered more than two runs in any of his six starts — allowing only one in four of the outings. "I think we've all seen over the last few years when Triston is at or near his best, he's a really good starting pitcher that has the capability of not just pitching effectively but pitching us deeper in the games," team president Chris Antonetti said. "Hopefully that trend continues." Welcome back Vogt said don't be fooled by Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor's .197 batting average through Sunday. He's still a dangerous weapon. "It's not an easy at-bat to navigate, and he can do a lot of things," Vogt said. "He can make contact, he can hit the ball out of the yard, he can make things happen on the bases. Francisco's been one of the best players in our league for a really long time, and coming to Cleveland (as a player) was no picnic or New York now." Even so, Vogt was looking forward to watching Lindor back in front of his former fans. "It's going to be really fun seeing him back in Cleveland," he said. "I think it's always fun to see a player who has helped a franchise get to a World Series, and he's always smiling, he's always laughing. He seems like just a very happy person." l It was also a Cleveland reunion for Mets third base coach Mike Sarbaugh, who filled the same role for the Guardians under manager Terry Francona from 2013-23. Draft daze The Guardians have begun preparation for the MLB Draft on July 14-16 in Arlington, Texas. They own the first overall pick. "This is a busy time of year," Antonetti said. "We're progressing towards conference tournaments for the college season. The high school seasons are wrapping up. So, we're beginning to develop an understanding of the group that'll be available for us, not only with the first pick but throughout the draft. So, there's a lot of work in front of us, but it's a fun time." MLB.com ranks Georgia outfielder/third baseman Charlie Condon (6-foot-6, 216 pounds) as its top draft prospect. Roundin' third Cleveland entered Monday on a seven-game losing streak and owning an all-time record of 5-16 (.238) against the Mets, accounting for its worst winning percentage against any opponent. The Guardians entered Monday riding a four-game win streak at Progressive Field, with seven wins in their last eight home games and 13 in their last 16. Cleveland's 15 wins over its first 21 games is the most since 2011 (17). Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him @CAwesomeheimer on Twitter.