The Cleveland Baseball Club have made some decisions regarding who will and who will not make their roster to begin the 2020 MLB season.
After optioning three players (and one more Hunter Wood), the Cleveland Baseball Club have made some additions to their roster for Opening Day. Ryan Lewis reports that the team has informed some previously on the bubble players that they have made the team.
Names of note here are James Karinchak, Mike Freeman, Yu Chang, Domingo Santana, and Bradley Zimmer.
James Karinchak can be described by one word. Electric. Karinchak has absolutely filthy stuff and can be an integral part of the Cleveland bullpen.
Bradley Zimmer has been on fire and has earned a spot on the team. Perhaps Zimmer is able to take advantage of this opportunity and stake a claim to being a starter.
Yu Chang is another player who has been impressive during Summer Camp and has earned the chance to prove himself when games matter. The question in regards to him is whether or not he can do the same against pitchers who aren’t in Cleveland.
Mike Freeman making the team is hardly a surprise. With Jake Bauers being optioned the team needed someone who can play first base when Carlos Santana gets a day off (or is a DH).
Domingo Santana also falls into the category or not surprising. Cleveland is looking for the other Santana on their roster to make an impact in their outfield. Cleveland seems to be using a committee type approach when it comes to this group and is hoping one of their other guys can take that extra step and take on a full time role. Although it is worth mentioning that Santana’s playing time may be impacted on Franmil Reyes’ ability to play in the field, a prospect which doesn’t seem all that likely at this point in time.
