Guardians’ Estevan Florial clears waivers awarded to Triple-A Columbus

A week ago, the Cleveland Guardians made a pair of roster moves involving their outfield.

While the team was activated Steven Kwan from the list of injured, also indicated Estevan Florial for assignment in a corresponding move.

By designating Florial for assignment, Cleveland had a week to place him on waivers or trade him.

On Friday, the Guardians announced that he has cleared waivers and will remain with the organization as he has accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus.

After being acquired from the New York Yankees this season, the 26-year-old has appeared in 36 games for Cleveland this season. He has hit .173 with 17 hits, six doubles, two triples, three home runs, 11 RBI, 11 walks, 41 strikeouts, two stolen bases and a .631 OPS. Florial also served as Cleveland’s leading leadoff hitter while Kwan was out with a left hamstring strain.

Florial’s direct assignment to Triple-A comes five days after the Guardians outfield prospect Johnathan Rodriguez was assigned to Columbus, which was a corresponding move Daniel Schneemann promoted to Cleveland.

Florial excelled at the Triple-A level in 2023. In 101 games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he hit .284 with 116 hits, 23 doubles, four triples, 28 home runs, 79 RBI, 25 stolen bases and a .945. OPS is on track to be named an International League All-Star. Guardians fans will be watching to see if the outfielder can replicate this type of success with Columbus.

Time will ultimately tell if Florial will rejoin Cleveland’s Major League club sometime in the 2024 season.