Cleveland Indians: Yandy Diaz Is Worth A Roster Spot

Due to injury and successful spring training play, one specific key up and coming Cleveland Indians player’s future looks very bright.

About three weeks ago, yours truly wrote at length about Yandy Diaz‘s potential role with the Cleveland Indians in 2017. When Jason Kipnis and his shoulder injury first made news, it was only going to be a short-term set back, not a long term injury.

Now that the all-star is out for an extended period of time, Diaz appears to be a lock now to make the opening day roster.

A strong second half of 2016 has already brought a blistering hot spring to Goodyear, Arizona for Diaz. According to MLB.com, he’s hit .417 through Monday’s game with seven RBI. Diaz has also walked twice as much as he has struck out, an encouraging ratio for a younger player looking to break through to the bigs.

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Diaz may not have the kind of power that Kipnis brings, but there is not a reason to believe he won’t be effective as a replacement for the first month of the season at the plate.

There are no shortage of reasons why Diaz was in contention in the first place. He has hit at every level and can play all over the field.

No, Diaz isn’t a gold glove defender at any position he plays, but his ability to play third and second base will allow Jose Ramirez to play wherever he is needed. At the same time, Cleveland will maintain flexibility as Diaz also has plenty of experience in the corner outfield spots.

One big reason why Diaz will now make the roster is also because Michael Martinez is not the caliber of player that should start for an extended period of time. At 36, Martinez isn’t a long-term asset for the organization.

Heck, he was even released by the team once last year. Martinez is fine as a deep bench reserve that can play defense anywhere and piece together an at bat or two. That’s a fine 25th man.

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Diaz, though, is the best answer for a month long audition in place of the injured Kipnis. With both Martinez and Ramirez on the roster, Diaz can start in multiple positions due to matchups.

It is likely that Diaz opens the year manning third base with Ramirez shifting over to second. Diaz started 30 games at the hot corner last year in Columbus, Ohio while starting only five at second base.

At this point, it might be worth trying to figure out what happens when Kipnis comes back. If Diaz proves to be too valuable to go back to AAA, he has few options for regular time without moving to a corner outfield spot.

If Martinez is bumped from the roster in favor of Diaz, that’s one less potential center field option. That said, losing Martinez really doesn’t disrupt the team’s long term plans at all. By keeping Diaz in his place, there’s a ready made injury replacement for no fewer than five positions.

Next: 5 Indians Likely To Be Promoted In 2017

For Diaz, the future is now. Kipnis’ shoulder opened the door just enough for him to bust through onto the big league club.