Cleveland Guardians Announce Trade Before Dodgers Game

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 22: Johnathan Rodriguez #30 of the Cleveland Guardians runs out an RBI single during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Progressive Field on May 22, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

On Monday night, the Cleveland Guardians will play the Los Angeles Dodgers in California.

The Guardians are coming off a four-game series with the Seattle Mariners where they went 2-2.

Cleveland Guardians Make A Trade Before Dodgers Game

GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Stephen Vogt #12 of the Cleveland Guardians speaks with the media following game one of the American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Before their series in Los Angeles, the Guardians announced that they had made a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.

GuardsInsider wrote: “The Cleveland Guardians have traded OF Johnathan Rodriguez to the Baltimore Orioles for minor league reliever RHP Carter Rustad.”

GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MAY 26: Johnathan Rodriguez #30 of the Cleveland Guardians in the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Rodriguez appeared in 31 games for the Guardians last season.

He was picked in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft.

MLB Social Media World Reacts To Trade

GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MAY 26: Johnathan Rodriguez #30 of the Cleveland Guardians after hitting a two run double against the Los Angeles Angels in the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Here’s what people were saying about the deal:

@MasonHorodyski: “After DFA’ing Johnathan Rodriguez, the #Guardians has dealt him to Baltimore”

@CleGuardPro: “Cleveland #Guardians have traded OF Johnathan Rodríguez to the Orioles for relief pitcher Carter Rustad. Former Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz has now taken in both Jhonkensy Noel and Rodriguez.”

@Greg_Schaum: “Guardians were ready to take Rustad early in the 2018 draft but could not come up with a $$$ agreement that worked. Not surprised to see him end up back here. Arm has so much in it and I would write this name down as a future big leaguer …”

@jcalvinmeyer: “The Orioles traded for Guardians OF Johnathan Rodríguez today. Here are his career numbers in 252 career Triple-A games: .301 BA .390 OBP .535 SLG .925 OPS Rodriguez, who is still only 26, has hit 45 homers in his past 205 games in Triple-A.”

Cleveland Guardians: “Thanks for everything, J-Rod. Best of luck in Baltimore.”

Guardians And Orioles

The Guardians will have three games against the Dodgers before heading home to host the Chicago Cubs on April 3.

They are coming off a year where they lost in the AL Wild Card.

GettyMESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 27: Manager Stephen Vogt #12 of the Cleveland Guardians watches the action during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 27, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Orioles are 2-1 in their first three games after a series with the Minnesota Twins.

They will host the Texas Rangers on Monday.

Last season, the Orioles missed the MLB playoffs.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.

He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar