Cleveland Indians: The outfield game of musical chairs has continued
By Ryan Rosko
Changes are ongoing in the Cleveland Indians’ outfield, but are all the right moves being made?
Injuries are part of the game, but so much so early has affected the Cleveland Indians‘ outfield situation more than one would like.
With left fielder Michael Brantley out for a few days, the outfield situation is a bit more murky. Even with Brantley, there are still some questions marks, but perhaps now the Indians have a plan with that part of the lineup.
Earlier today, Cleveland announced that they have recalled infielder/outfielder Yandy Diaz and has demoted pitcher Shawn Armstrong to AAA-Columbus.
Roster move today:
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 8, 2017
Yandy Diaz has been recalled from Columbus.
Shawn Armstrong optioned.
Yandy hit .395 in 12 games with the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/osbfklfHRk
Given the options Cleveland has, their best combination in the outfield involves Brantley and Diaz as regulars, with Austin Jackson, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Abraham Almonte all sprinkled in there someway. Now, I don’t favor or prefer those three players over others, but at least they are better than the one Indian I am about to discuss.
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What I cannot get behind is the belief that fellow outfielder Brandon Guyer must play as much as he does. I know I am not the only one liking the lineup when he is in it, especially when he bats third.
It was surprising to Armstrong being demoted when someone like Guyer would have made more sense. Cleveland already demoted center fielder Tyler Naquin. Since they did that, there is no reason why Guyer should remain on the big league’s roster.
According to baseball-reference.com, in 18 games, Guyer has a slash line of .163/.212/.265/.477 with two RBI. Talk about humiliating! Diaz on the other hand has had success. Sure, he has dealt with his share of rookie issues too, but overall Diaz has done well in Cleveland and in Columbus.
According to the same website, in 15 games with the Indians, Diaz has accumulated a slash line of .236/.295/.255/.550. Meanwhile, in 12 games with Columbus, Diaz has one home run and nine RBI. His slash line is also better in the minors so far with the following numbers: .395/.509/.558/1.067.
Now that Diaz is back in Cleveland, it is only a matter of time before he gets his chance to start everyday. Simultaneously, Guyer’s chances of sticking with the team should decrease with how poorly he has been. Yes, he can hit lefties and gets hit by the pitch a lot, but overall does not bring much to the table.
FoS writer Joe Russo stated a good point to me regarding the move. I discussed how Guyer should be out of the lineup and he mentioned that Jackson or ace pitcher Corey Kluber‘s need to be back on the roster could put Guyer’s spot in jeopardy.
What makes you think it won't be Guyer when Jackson or Kluber are activated!
— Joe Russo (@NorthCoastJoeR) May 8, 2017
If so, I am all for it. In the meantime, all we can do is hope.
Next: Clevinger deserves rotation spot
The sooner Cleveland can get their outfield situated (without Guyer), the better!