The Cleveland Indians are calling up outfielder Oscar Mercado to provide production for a relatively pedestrian group of outfielders.
It’s time. Oscar Mercado is being called up to the Major League roster. The Cleveland Indians needed an outfielder with an injury to Tyler Naquin that may find him landing on the injured list.
Even without the injury to Naquin it seemed like Mercado’s time was coming. Cleveland is desperate for help offensively, especially in the outfield. The production from this group has been one of the worst in all of baseball. Outside of a hot streak from Jordan Luplow, the group has left a lot to be desired as of late.
Oscar Mercado has been performing extremely well this season in AAA. Mercado is slashing .294/.396/.496 with an OPS of .891. All of these numbers are better than what the Indians have got at the Major League level. Granted this is against lesser competition, but it is still worth noting.
Mercado has hit 10 doubles and four home runs down in Columbus. Only Leonys Martin has more home runs than Mercado, this is a problem. Martin is not a power hitter and Cleveland has been relatively unimpressive in regards to outfield production.
Mercado should see plenty of time in the outfield. The Carlos Gonzalez experiment may not last much longer and there is not a lot of competition for playing time. Jake Bauers can also play first base and has seen some time as a DH, freeing up a spot in the outfield for others. Leonys Martin has been hot and cold all season and can be prone to the occasional slump.
Even if Mercado only performs at an average level, it will be better than what the Indians have currently got so far this season. Cleveland needs to be bailed out offensively and Mercado has the chance to do just that.
