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Recent stretch proves Daniel Schneemann can handle bigger role for the Cleveland Guardians

ByJames Mastrucci|
May 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) celebrates hitting a grand slam hone run against the Toronto Blue Jays at during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
May 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) celebrates hitting a grand slam hone run against the Toronto Blue Jays at during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The 2025 season got off to a rough start for Daniel Schneemann. A 1-19 stretch to begin the year had some wondering if Cleveland's super-utility man was going to stay on the major league roster, but Schneemann was able to get back on track and become a productive bat in the lineup for the Guardians.

Over his last 17 games, Schneemann has 16 hits in 43 at-bats, with five doubles, three home runs, and nine runs batted in. Five of Schneemann's RBIs came in his epic performance on Saturday, which saw him hit two long balls, including a grand slam in the top of the 9th to give Cleveland a lead they would never lose.

This is the type of clutch performance the Guardians have been looking to get this season, and Schneemann being the one providing it is somewhat surprising if we are being honest here. Schneemann was expected to be a role player in Cleveland this season, but his performance at the plate during this recent stretch is closer to that of a major contributor. Because of this, the Guardians must continue to ride the hot hand and keep Schneemann in the lineup.

There is more to it than just Schneemann's recent performance that should be driving any decisions regarding playing time. The contributions the Guardians have received from Brayan Rocchio have been incredibly underwhelming, and Cleveland is not really in a position where they can overlook the performance of one player right now. This is a team that needs to field a lineup that they believe gives them the best chance to win, and right now, the choice of who should be in the lineup over someone else is pretty obvious, with Schneemann's 153 OPS+ being significantly more impactful than the 40 OPS+ posted by Rocchio.

Having Schneemann at second and Gabriel Arias slide over to shortstop appears to be a far superior option to the combo of Arias and Rocchio, at least for now that is. There is no way to justify keeping Schneemann out of the lineup as long as he continues to make solid contact and produces positive results with a bat in his hand. If and when his bat cools down is the only time that playing time disbursement should be reassessed, but until then, it is Schneemann who is proving himself worthy of being an everyday presence in Cleveland's lineup.

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