The Cleveland Indians have called up outfielder Carlos Gonzalez from AAA.
This move appeared to be inevitable. Once the Cleveland Indians signed Carlos Gonzalez there was a feeling that he would see time with the Major League club. Considering that Gonzalez had an opt-out date of April 20th, Cleveland had to make a decision quickly. With the lack of offensive production so far this season and Carlos Gonzalez raking in the Minors, this move could not have come at a better time.
In six games Carlos Gonzalez slashed .348/.483/.522 with an OPS of 1.004. With Gonzalez performing this well in the Minors he essentially passed the test. Cleveland wanted to make sure Gonzalez could still perform with the one-year deal they signed him to. With Gonzalez doing what a Major League player should do in the Minors it is an encouraging sign.
Two of the eight hits Gonzalez had with Columbus were of the extra-base variety. One was a double and the other was a home run in Thursday’s game.
Indians offense needs some help
Looking at the performance of the Indians outfielders and Hanley Ramirez this move was going to happen sooner rather than later. Tyler Naquin and Leonys Martin are delivering at the plate, but more is needed. Jake Bauers is hitting the ball hard, but his average leaves something to be desired. Since Terry Francona wants Bauers to continue to see playing time the big leagues, this potentially leaves the designated hitter position as the only option.
Even though Hanley Ramirez has three extra-base hits, his average is far from good. Ramirez is batting under .200 in 11 games. A potential platoon situation could be an option, if not an all out replacement of Ramirez. Naquin, Martin and Bauers seems locked in to their outfield positions and Ramirez was a flier option. Jordan Luplow is the only pure right handed outfielder and Greg Allen is a switch hitter. This leaves Ramirez as a potential odd man out. If Gonzalez can produce more than Ramirez currently has from the DH spot, it is a good move to call him up.
