5 Cleveland Indians Prospects Likely To Be Promoted In 2017

2 of 5

Feb 24, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Erik Gonzalez poses for a portrait during photo day at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Erik Gonzalez, 2B

There just doesn’t seem to be a spot for Erik Gonzalez. His road to the majors is blocked by Francisco Lindor at shortstop, although Jason Kipnis‘ rotator cuff injury may give him at shot to play some second base.

Before Kipnis’ injury, Gonzalez, 25, was in contention to be the Tribe’s utility infielder. Michael Martinez seems more suited for the spot because Gonzalez would probably be better off playing every day at Triple A.

E-Gon will probably be floated in trade rumors this summer, as teams would love to insert his glove into the middle of their infield. He’s not bad at the dish either, batting .296 (.779 OPS) with 11 HR and 53 RBI for the Triple-A Clippers in 2016.

Through eight minor league seasons, Gonzalez slashed .274/.316/.395. He has just 17 big-league plate appearances to his name.

Still, if the Indians want to find out if Gonzalez is ready for The Show, giving him a week or two at second if Kipnis needs time to heel may not be the worst thing in the world.

If Gonzalez falters, the Tribe can always substitue in Martinez. Plus, the hope is Kipnis won’t be sidelined too long. If E-Gon crushes it, the Indians will have themselves a very shiny jewel to dangle around the trade deadline.

Gonzalez is having an excellent spring, slashing .324/.324/.824, according to MLB.com.

Home/Cleveland Guardians