Guardians call up Australian top draft pick Travis Bazzana for MLB debut

Australia's Travis Bazzana during 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Australia's Travis Bazzana during 2026 World Baseball Classic. CTK Photo/AFLO

The Cleveland Guardians are set to bring up former No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana for Tuesday's (Wednesday 8:10am AEST) game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bazzana, 23, is a Sydney, Australia native and the only top draft pick in Cleveland's franchise history. Rookie Juan Brito will be optioned to Triple-A after struggling in his time with the Guardians this year, as Bazzana will take his place at second base.

Bazzana was hitting .287 with two home runs and 10 RBI in 24 games for Triple-A Columbus this season. He has a fantastic .933 OPS, along with 21 walks, 11 doubles, two triples, and eight stolen bases on 10 attempts.

He was part of Team Australia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic before this season, in which he hit .188 with one home run and two RBI. 

The Guardians are currently second in the American League Central division with a 15-15 record and sit half a game back of the first-place Detroit Tigers (15-14). 

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