Angel Martínez replaces injured Tyler Freeman on 2024 ALDS roster

Major League Baseball announced on Monday that it has approved a roster substitution for the Cleveland Guardians due to a left oblique strain sustained by outfielder Tyler Freeman during a simulated game.

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.