Cleveland Indians: Chisenhall To DL Puts Team In Dire Straits

Mar 1, 2016; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall (8) swings the bat against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall (8) swings the bat against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Indians
Sep 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants DH Marlon Byrd (6) reacts after striking out in the second inning of their MLB baseball game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Marlon Byrd

Marlyn Byrd, 38, could be the signing of the year for the Cleveland Indians. At the time of his signing, not much excitement was shown by Tribe faithful, but his importance can’t be understated with Chisenhall’s injury.

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Byrd split time with the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants last season. He batted .247 with 23 home runs and 73 runs batted in.

Byrd has managed to hit at least 20 long balls in each of the past three seasons. Power in the five or six hole is exactly what the Tribe needs to compliment first baseman Mike Napoli.

His on-base-percentage of .290 in 2015 leaves much to be desired, but his job will be to drive runs in, not set the table.

Out of all the outfielders on the Opening Day roster, Byrd could prove to be the most valuable.

Next: Tyler Naquin