Cleveland Indians: Chisenhall To DL Puts Team In Dire Straits
Cleveland Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday. The already depleted outfield could not afford another blow.
Cleveland Indians outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
The decision to keep Chisenhall on the Opening Day roster also means the team could potentially carry both Cody Anderson and Josh Tomlin. According to Bastian, rumors have also circulated that the inconsistent Trevor Bauer could be the team’s fifth starter.
Asked Francona is Bauer might open in 5th spot. Manager said it was a good question, but wasn't ready to delve into rotation specifics.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 28, 2016
Chisenhall has been struggling this spring, hitting just .077 (2-for-26). It makes sense that an ailing right forearm contributed to his rough start. Bastian noted the timing of the outfielder’s return could depend on pitching match ups, according to manager Terry Francona.
Francona noted that Chisenhall could return in time for road series at Tampa Bay. Will see a lot of LHP vs BOS and CWS, so timing tolerable.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 28, 2016
All Star left fielder Michael Brantley recently suffered a setback in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, which makes the Chisenhall news borderline devastating. So, what will the Cleveland Indians outfield look like on Opening Day?
The answer? Incredibly underwhelming. Let’s run through the Tribe’s current options for the outfield.
Next: Marlon Byrd