Cleveland Indians: How does Tribe replace Josh Naylor?

The Cleveland Indians received another bad break Sunday, as Josh Naylor suffered a serious injury that left him convulsing in pain after calling with a teammate.

The Indians, already dealing with three major injuries to their starting rotation, now must replace their starting right fielder, who has been one of Terry Francona’s most consistent hitters in the lineup.

The most likely scenario in searching for Naylo’s replacement would be to move Harold Ramirez to right field. Ramirez has been playing outfield and serving as the designated hitter, but with Franmil Reyes rehabbing his strained oblique, the big slugger is closing in on a return.

Ernie Clement, known for being an infielder, could also log innings at right, as he’s played the spot in the minors.

The Indians, forced to be creative while owning the lowest payroll in the league, could also try other options, such as promoting Andres Gimenez and playing him regularly at shortstop, while moving Amed Rosario back to center. I supposed, Zimmer would become an option in right, along with Ramirez.

Alas, I don’t know how the organization could mess with Rosario right now. His improvement at the plate coincides with the former top prospect permanently taking over the starting shortstop gig.

For what it’s worth, Gimenez has been coming on of late, at one point, hitting homers in six straight games with the Columbus Clippers. He’s homered eight times in June.

Daniel Johnson and Oscar Mercado should be under consideration, but both players have been terrible at Triple-A Columbus.

Naylor was batting .253 (.700 OPS), he’s hit seven homers while knocking 13 doubles. In addition to playing right field, Naylor also could play first base.

The Tribe’s other right fielder, Jordan Luplow, is unable to play because he’s been injured.

He’s recently been relocated to the Tribe’s facility in Goodyear, where he’ll hopefully bounce back into baseball shape.