The Cleveland Indians have optioned outfielder Bradley Zimmer and pitchers Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, and James Karinchak to Triple-A Columbus.
The Indians have made their second wave of options (the first wave coming earlier in March). Cleveland optioned multiple players who many expected to be on the Opening Day roster. Bradley Zimmer, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, and James Karinchak will all begin the 2020 season (whenever that is) in Columbus.
Bradley Zimmer really didn’t have much of a chance
The news of Bradley Zimmer being sent down is not unexpected. Cleveland’s outfield was crowded to begin with and a player who has barely played the past two seasons was going to be hard-pressed to make the team. The team obviously just wants Zimmer to get more reps in the minors before giving him a chance at the Major League level.
Rotation and bullpen arms being sent down is interesting
The pitchers the Indians are sending down are a bit of a surprise. Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac may have very well made the Opening Day roster had the season began on time. With the delay and other pitchers more than likely being able to return from injury for the late start to the season, Cleveland felt it was better to send them down to Columbus for the time being.
The electric Jame Karinchak starting in Columbus is a bit of a kick in the teeth. Cleveland’s bullpen is relatively unexciting and mostly are able to get by with average stuff. Karinchak would have been arm that opposing batters would fear coming out of the bullpen as he can strike anyone out with relative ease. Karinchak’s only issue is command which may be why the Indians are having him start in Columbus, although he could have been a difference maker for this Cleveland bullpen from the start of the year.
Indians rotation appears to be back to normal
The Tribe’s top four arms in rotation appear to be what many expected. Mike Clevinger, Shane Bieber, Carlos Carrasco, and Adam Plukto. Plutko being in the rotation appears to be more of a formality than anything. The 28-year old is out of options and did have a few stretches where he appeared competent. Although, there were some blowups in between which are concerning. Cleveland is essentially going to give him the opportunity to pitch until he forces their hand to with someone else.
At some point the three pitchers should be up in the Majors this season. Zimmer may make an appearance if he is raking in the minors or the outfielders on the big league roster are struggling. Cleveland just appears to be exploring any and all avenues to be flexible in what could be a trying season.
