Guardians Hold Infielder Out Of WBC Due To Injury Concerns; Brother Will Participate

He won't be participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor will not play for Team Canada in the upcoming WBC so as not to risk aggravating his surgically-repaired right ankle.

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Naylor had surgery on the ankle back in 2021 and aggravated it during the last year's playoffs.

He also reportedly dealt with lingering soreness in it during the 2022 season.

The good news is Naylor is feeling healthy and has been having a normal offseason, but he's "still trying to make sure I'm fully recovered for this season" and, as a result, will not participate in the WBC.

His brother and fellow teammate, Bo Naylor, will play for Team Canada in the WBC.

The twenty-five-year-old had a career season last year, recording a .256/.319/.452 triple-slash line, with 20 home runs, 79 RBIs, six stolen bases and 47 runs scored over 122 games. 
Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports