Guardians outfielder Will Brennan has chance to impact playoff roster

Will Brennan has the distinction of being the 16th rookie to make his major league debut for the Guardians in 2022. He also has a distinct chance of playing a significant role on the Guardians' playoff roster.

Brennan had his contract selected from Triple-A Columbus on Sept. 21, and in his short time with the Guardians, he's shown he can be a potential weapon against right-handed pitching.

In the minors this season, Brennan hit .332 with an .897 OPS against right-handers and .254 with a .652 OPS against lefties. He's had early success against righties with the Guardians, entering Friday's game hitting .368 in 19 at-bats.

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As the Guardians consider how to construct their playoff roster for the best-of-three Wild Card Series, which begins Oct. 7 (most likely against either the Tampa Bay Rays or Seattle Mariners), Brennan could have a role as a left-handed hitter in the lineup, potentially in right field or the designated hitter spot (with Oscar Gonzalez in the other) against right-handed starters.

Brennan would have to be added to the postseason roster, but that can easily be done via Anthony Gose's spot. Gose underwent Tommy John surgery recently. Regardless of how it happens, Brennan was added to the roster so late in the season for a reason, and it gives the Guardians a left-handed option to bolster the lineup.

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"I think he wouldn't be here if we didn't think he could help us win," manager Terry Francona said. "With three weeks to go in the season, we're not going to call guys up that we don't think can. We're trying to win. So I think that's about the biggest compliment we can give him."

Like so many Guardians rookies before him this season, Brennan has quickly made an impact at the major league level. He also joined the club as it was on the cusp of clinching the American League Central Division.

"It's unbelievable," Brennan said. "Couple of extra-inning games. Playing against these other teams that are looking to make a playoff push as well. It's a lot of fun. It's the best baseball in the world and we're doing it and we're beating them."

It's also given him a chance to play for manager he grew up idolizing. On a number of fronts, it's been a dream scenario.

"He's a legend," Brennan said of Francona. "I grew up a Red Sox fan, so keep that on the down low. Huge Red Sox fan. It's an honor to play for that man. I looked up to him as a kid, I look up to him now. It's an absolute honor."

Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.