The Cleveland Guardians chose Travis Bazzana, a second baseman from Oregon State University, as the No. 1 pick in the Major League Baseball draft on Sunday night.

This was the first time Cleveland had owned the top pick, and Bazzana was also the first Australian and second baseman to be chosen first.

So how special is he? Bazzana hit .407 for the Beavers with 28 homers, 66 RBI, and 16 steals. He also walked 76 times in 60 games.

Most intriguing was the fact that Bazzana speculated before the draft about joining the Guardians and helping them in the playoff race this year.

Usually, even the best prospects have to spend a few years in the minors before helping the major-league club.

RAYS 2, GUARDIANS 0

The draft was the best news of the day, because the team lost 2-0 to the Tampa Bay Rays. This was the same result as Friday night.

Clearly, this team needs the All-Star Break. The starting pitching and offense have both sputtered in the last month.

Despite a stretch of 7 wins and 11 losses, the Guardians are still on top of the American League Central Division with a record of 58-37. The Twins and Royals also lost, so they are 4.5 and 7 games back, respectively.

Angel Martinez had two of Cleveland’s four hits. The rookie is batting .277 and has taken over the No. 2 spot in the Cleveland batting order.

Ben Lively (8-5) took the loss. He only gave up three hits in 5 1/3 innings, but two of them were solo home runs by Jose Siri and Brandon Lowe.

Jose Ramirez will compete in the Home Run Derby tonight. He will also represent the Guardians in Tuesday’s All-Star Game along with teammates David Fry, Josh Naylor, Emmanuel Clase, and Steven Kwan.

The Guardians will start the second half of the season on Friday when they host the San Diego Padres.