The Cleveland Indians have recalled minor league catcher Eric Haase from the Columbus Clippers as MLB rosters have now expanded.
Eric Haase has made his return to the Cleveland Indians. The 26-year old catcher had a brief stint earlier this season with the Tribe but eventually was sent back down to Columbus after only two games.
Eric Haase has been quite the power threat with the Clippers. With 28 home runs and 12 doubles, Haase has driven in 60 runs in 102 games. Slashing .226/.315/.517 with an OPS of .832, Haase has been quite productive despite the low batting average.
Now in Cleveland, Eric Haase may not have many opportunities. Cleveland already has Roberto Perez and Kevin Plawecki on the roster. Perez and Plawecki have handled the pitching staff quite well this season, disrupting that is not the best idea. Instead Haase could be in line for some at-bats as the designated hitter. Haase is still working on his abilities behind the plate and if the Indians want to get his bat in the lineup the designated hitter spot may be the way to go. There is also the possibility that Haase could be used a pinch hitter. There is also the possibility of being a late game replacement. This would occur if Perez or Plawecki is pinch hit for earlier in the game. Although the issue of his ability behind the plate still remains.
In other years the Indians could give Eric Haase more starts at catcher, but since they are still fighting for the playoffs those chances could be less frequent.
