The Cleveland Guardians have promoted infielder Angel Martinez to the parent club.

The switch-hitting Martinez is taking the role of Gabriel Arias, who was placed on the Major League Baseball family emergency list June 21.

Martinez, 22, has been on fire recently, and graduates to the big leagues after hitting .333 with three home runs so far this season in 74 plate appearances at Triple-A Columbus.

Martinez got a late start to this season following a foot contusion he suffered during spring training. He was placed on the 60-day Injured List after he also fractured his left hamate bone.

Now healthy, Martinez has opened eyes with his very hot bat in the International League.

In a Columbus Clippers game against the Worcester Red Sox June 19, Martinez hit a double, and two home runs, scoring four runs, and driving in four.

About Angel Martinez:

In 2018, Angel Martinez was signed by the (then) Cleveland Indians as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic.

Martinez received a $500,000 signing bonus.

The son of former major league catcher Sandy Martinez, Angel Martinez made his professional debut at the age of 17, when he played for the Indians Dominican Summer League team.

Martinez hit .306 in 261 plate appearances in that first professional experience .

Martinez has flown through the Cleveland Guardians farm system, having played just parts of five seasons. He did not play in the 2020 season due to the pandemic.

Scouting Angel Martinez:

Martinez is 6-0, 200 pounds.

Martinez was placed on the Guardians 40-man roster in November 2022. He has been on the rise in the organization since.

As well as scouting him in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, this old scout got to evaluate Martinez in all 13 games he played this past spring training.

Martinez impressed this writer with his strong frame, excellent barrel skills, and outstanding overall play in the middle-infield.

Mature beyond his age, it is evident to this observer that Martinez has the athletic ability and overall skills on both sides of the ball to be impactful at the major league level.

Offensively, Martinez hits well from both sides of the plate. He can barrel the ball to all fields.

Martinez has strong hands and wrists, and his excellent bat speed is a highlight of his hitting mechanics.

Martinez has the ability to let the ball travel a bit, and then, using a measured swing, hit line drive ropes to the gaps.

As evidenced by his recent Triple-A results, Martinez is flashing power from his strong frame. There is every reason his power surge can continue as he adapts, adjusts, and learns how major league pitchers try to get him out.

An excellent contact hitter, in his entire minor league career so far, Martinez has struck out only 323 times in 1,793 plate appearances.

Martinez knows the strike zone well, but he goes to the plate to hit. Not to take a walk. He has recorded only 184 minor league walks.

Ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Guardians organization by MLB.com, Martinez is at his best when he sees lots of pitches per at-bat, which is a hallmark of the Guardians organizational hitting philosophy.

To this scout, if he gets decent playing time, Martinez could hit 20 home runs in a big league season.

Defensively, the Guardians have played him at second base, shortstop, third base, and in the outfield in his development years.

For this scout, Martinez probably fits best at second base. But his arm strength is strong enough to make every play from shortstop, with good carry on his throws.

If there is one flaw to his defense, Martinez may not have the first-step quickness to the ball some scouts may like. However, he gets the job done with good footwork, and that strong arm.

Martinez has enough speed to steal bases, but he isn’t a burner.

After observing Martinez in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, this scout wrote:

“Athletic, switch-hitting middle-infielder with potentially surprising power. Excellent contact hitter, with ability to spread the ball from foul line to foul line from both sides of the plate. Baseball savvy. Makes good game decisions. Can force his way to the big leagues.”

Martinez’ excellent spring reinforced those thoughts.

Martinez will wear No. 1 with the Guardians.

Scouting Grade: 50

Martinez has the ability to be a regular middle-infielder at the big league level. If needed, he can play third base. He has a great eye at the plate, makes contact, and should hit for a good batting average, with potential power. He is good defensively.

It will take some time for Martinez to play his way to the starting lineup.

This scout values Angel Martinez as a Grade 50 player-or one that can be counted upon for an eventual regular place in a major league lineup.

With reports of live cicadas winding down and sightings of the dead insects on the increase, many people wonder what’s coming next. Here’s what to expect.

When do the cicadas go away?

The remaining periodical cicadas out now should be gone by late June. Periodical cicadas are among the longest-lived insects on the planet, but most of their 13- or 17-year lifespan is spent underground. After emerging, singing and reproducing, the adults don’t live long. After about a month, the cicadas begin to die.

Their departure can be memorable. In 1990, there were reports of people in Chicago using snow shovels to clear sidewalks of dead cicadas, which have a noticeable odor.

More: Is your dog eating cicadas? Here’s why you should be worried about it

Do cicadas come out every year?

Some cicadas do show up every year. Annual — or dog-day — cicadas emerge during the heat of summer, usually around July, said Kacie Athey, a specialty crops entomologist with the University of Illinois Extension.

The periodical cicadas that are dying off now were part of a historic dual emergence of two particular broods, an event that hadn’t occurred since 1803 and made Illinois the center of attention for cicada watchers. In some years, no periodical cicadas emerge. After 2024, Brood XIII and Brood XIX cicadas won’t sync up their emergences again until the year 2245.

More: What animals eat cicadas?

Do cicadas have a purpose?

Cicada nymphs aerate the soil. The emergent adults prune mature trees and provide an abundant source of food for wildlife — and some humans. After they die, cicadas’ bodies provide a source of nitrogen for growing trees. CicadaMania.com breaks down the bugs’ many benefits.

The Summer Celebration is on.

The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration 2024 kicked off Thursday with an ecumenical service at Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, 4900 E. 38th St. and is in full swing through June 30.

That means films, art exhibits and concerts celebrating Black American culture, along with conferences and summits focused on business, health education and youth leadership.

The Summer Celebration is one of the major events produced by Indiana Black Expo, a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic advancement of African Americans through year-round initiatives, including its Black Business Training Institute, Scholarship Fund, Performing Arts Academy and Community Learning Hub.

If you think it seems early for Black Expo, you’re not wrong. Normally Summer Celebration takes place in July but this year it’s a few weeks earlier because another large event is coming to town next month. 

Here’s what to know about the 53rd Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration:

The 2024 Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is in June

This year’s events, including a three-day exhibition at the Indiana Convention Center, take place June 20-30, to accommodate the National Eucharistic Congress being held at Lucas Oil Stadium July 17-21.

Indiana Black Expo will go back to its traditional July dates next year. 

2024 Indiana Black Expo: Summer Celebration will come early this year

Celebrities appearing at the 2024 Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Notables are appearing at various conferences, receiving awards and performing throughout the Summer Celebration. Look for:

• Atlantic Starr, recording artists
• Kid Capri, DJ and producer
• Morris Day and The Time, recording artists
• Rick Fuson, recently retired Pacers Sports & Entertainment chief executive officer
• Johnny Gill, recording artist
• Ed Gordon, broadcaster and BET/CBS Special Correspondent
• Ginuwine
• Lalah Hathaway,  recording artist
• Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis mayor 
• Edgerrin James, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Indianapolis Colt
• Next, recording artists
• Soledad O’Brien, journalist and documentarian 
• Leon Robinson, actor
• Karyn White, recording artist

IBE Film Festival

4 p.m., June 22

Indiana Black Expo, 601 N. Shortridge, Indianapolis

The annual fest has IBE screening independent films produced and written by African American and African filmmakers.  The event is free and features discussions about selected titles and filmmaking in general.4 p.m. – Opening Remarks and Welcome4:05 p.m. – Short film screening: “Rasheeda’s Freedom Day”4:40 p.m. – Short film screening: “Black Girls Play”4:58 p.m. – Panel discussion5:28 PM – Feature film screening: “Black Barbie”

IBE Business Conference

June 24-25

Indiana Convention Center

This conference allows business owners to hear from key decision-makers about business development initiatives and multi-million dollar contracting opportunities as well as learn tips on doing business with public, private and international companies.

It includes a mayor’s breakfast and a governor’s awards reception.

Register at indianablackexpo.com/ibe-business-conference/.

IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series

9 a.m., June 25

Indiana Convention Center, Room 236-238

The IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) introduces middle and high school students to the basic concepts, activities and skills necessary for launching, leading, and growing a successful business. Workshops will help participants develop comprehensive business plans and prepare pitches that will be presented in competitions for prizes.

Register at summercelebration.net.

IBE Education Conference

June 27

Indiana Convention Center

The educational summit provides a platform for educators to explore innovative strategies and learn best practices to create a more equitable and impactful educational system.Keynote speakers are journalist O’Brien and Dr. Kymyona Burk, the senior policy fellow for early literacy at the Foundation for Excellence in Education.

Register at indianablackexpo.com/ibe-education-conference.

Black & Minority Health Fair

June 27-30

Indiana Convention Center

The annual health fair aims to increase minority awareness of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cancer, and how to prevent them. 

It offers free health screenings and services; wellness resources; and engaging fitness activities for the Black and minority communities.

June 27 is a special night for seniors.

Admission is free.

Mental Health Symposium

June 27, June 29

Indiana Convention Center

The Indiana Black Expo will introduce its Mental Health Symposium to the Summer Celebration this year.

The two-day educational series, in partnership with the Indiana State Department of Health, is part of IBE’s new year-round mental health educational series meant to boost knowledge of and address the stigma about brain health, particularly among Black Indianapolis residents.

Journalist Ed Gordon will host the event.

Part one of the symposium will take place 4:45-5:30 p.m. June 27 during the Black & Minority Health Fair, when expert panelists will discuss the importance of self-care and how to seek mental health support when needed for seniors and senior caregivers.  Part two will take place 12-2 p.m. June 29 in the 500 Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center. Topics will include the basics of brain health; lifestyle choices; cognitive decline and dementia management; and navigating healthcare systems and resources.

Caregivers, friends and family members of individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, medical professionals, policymakers, community leaders and mental health advocates are encouraged to attend. 

The symposium is free to the public. 

Attendees can register for the symposium at tinyurl.com/2cu8a7f4 or visit eventbrite.com for the Cherish Your Mind: Understanding the Importance of Brain Health Symposium.

2024 Corporate Luncheon

11 a.m., Friday, June 28th

Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom

The Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon will honor contributors to African American culture, progress and achievement.

Among the feted will be O’Brien, James, Fuson and Robinson.

Tickets are available at summercelebration.net.

Indiana Black Expo awards: 2024 honorees in African-American culture

Youth Leadership Summit

June 28

Indiana Convention Center

This three-day annual summit helps Indiana middle and high school students become more aware of STEM-related careers and better understand leadership, advocacy and civic responsibility. 

Exhibition Hall

June 28-30

Indiana Convention Center

Vendors will offer food and merchandise throughout the Exhibition Hall.  Visitors can check out Indiana and regional companies and organizations.

Also in the Expo Hall:

Cultural Arts Pavilion with exhibitions of the works of local and national artists and authors, including the Art Speaks Café, platforming local visual and performing artists. Expect live music; spoken word performances; free paint nights; and interactive art installations and sessions. June 28-30

The Indiana Black Expo Midwest Invitational Boxing Showcase, a competition between top amateur boxing teams from across Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Missouri. 12 p.m., June 29-30

Textures Institute of Cosmetology Hair Show with beauticians and barbers competing. 1 p.m.,  June 29

IBE’s Fashion Show, with dozens of models of all ages highlighting top brands in the industry. 4:30 p.m., June 29

Man Made Improv teen-focused variety show hosted by J. Bland Made Man and featuring unscripted improv games, comical sketches, interactive crowd participation and music by DJ Boogie Bang.  6 p.m., June 29

Gospel Explosion, featuring choirs and entertainers. 4 p.m., June 30

Music Heritage Festival

6 p.m., June 28

IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis, 

The traditional Outdoor Concert gets a new location and requires tickets, starting at $10 each.

Doors open at 4 p.m. with food trucks on-site. Kids ages 2 and under are free when seated on a parent’s lap. Ages 3 and up must have a ticket. To avoid Ticketmaster fees, purchase at ticketmaster.com.

The 2024 Indiana Black Expo outdoor concert lineup:

The Black Expo summer concert: The lineup and changes for 2024

The 2024 All White Affair and Concert

10 p.m., June 29

Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Guests in all-white attire will experience live music and networking opportunities with celebrity guests and artists. Tickets, available at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or ticketmaster.com, are required.

2024 All White Affair and Concert Lineup:

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.