Tag Archives: Francisco Lindor

Indians win without rain delay

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The Cleveland Indians did not have to battle a rain delay Wednesday as they defeated the Detroit Tigers for the third straight game by a score of 7-2.

Not having to endure a third straight rain delay was a nice change of pace as the Cleveland Indians secured a series win Wednesday with a 7-2 win over the Detroit Tiger. The Tribe can now go for the sweep Thursday. Cleveland collected 12 hits and did not trail in the game at any point.

Oscar Mercado continued to drive in runs against Detroit. Mercado got the scoring started in the third by driving in two runs with a single. The scoring took a bit of a break for a little while but a surprising bunt single in the seventh from Mike Freeman allowed Jose Ramirez to score. Freeman dove headfirst into first base as he did everything he could to reach base.

The Tribe tacked on three runs in the eighth inning to put the game away. Francisco Lindor clobbered his 15th home run of the season. Jason Kipnis would drive in Carlos Santana for his only hit on the day. A pinch hit double for Greg Allen saw him drive in Ramirez and Kipnis to bring the Indians run total to seven.

Mike Clevinger got the start and he did not disappoint. Clevinger went six innings and earned the win Wednesday. During those six innings Clevinger struck out 12 batters while only allowing one run on six hits and one walk. Clevinger was able to throw 68 of his 100 pitches for strikes.

Adam Cimber and Oliver Perez were each credited with a hold. The duo combined for 1.1 innings of work and two strikeouts.

Nick Wittgren earned the 1.2 inning save. While he did allow one run (a home run), it was still a good night of work in a spot where it was optimal to give Brad Hand a rest.

Cleveland will look to sweep the series with the Tigers Thursday at 7:10 P.M.

Indians rally through rain delay

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The Cleveland Indians had to go with a bullpen game on the mound and wait out a rain delay but still managed to defeat the Minnesota Twins by a score of 9-7.

Cleveland had to go the bullpen route Wednesday due to placing Carlos Carrasco on the injured list. Tyler Clippard got the start and was effective through the first inning but struggled in the second. Clippard was charged with three earned runs, all coming in the second inning. Although one was due to the three-run homer off the bat of Byron Buxton that Tyler Olson gave up. Nelson Cruz hit a home run in the third off of Nick Goody. Jorge Polanco would drive in the final two runs for the Twins. These came off a homer in the fifth and a single in the seventh. A.J. Cole, Adam Cimber and Brad Hand combined for 2.1 innings of work and did not allow a hit and struck out four.

The Indians offense needed to pull their weight and that is just what they did. Jose Ramirez drove in the first run on a routine groundout in the first. This would not be the last time that Ramirez drove in a run. Ramirez drove in Carlos Santana in the third and Jordan Luplow in the fifth. Speaking of Luplow, Luplow drove in three runs on the day. Luplow doubled home Carlos Santana in the fifth and hit a two-run shot in the seventh. This home run came after a lengthy rain delay and was Cleveland’s first lead since the first inning. The Indians continued to drive the ball after the delay. Roberto Perez also hit a solo shot in the seventh. Francisco Lindor continued his hot streak at the plate and hit yet another homer.

Cleveland will turn to Trevor Bauer in the third and final game of the series with the Twins as the Tribe will look to sweep Minnesota and continue to cut into their lead in the standings.

Lindor leads Indians to 5-2 victory over Twins

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The Cleveland Indians entered the night coming off a 4 game series against the Chicago White Sox. A series in which they only managed one win. The task does not get any easier against the AL-leading Minnesota Twins. The Tribe kicked off the 8-game homestand facing the division leaders. Cleveland came into the night 11.5 games back of first place despite being the favorites entering the season. Sure, anything can happen, but let’s face it: if the Indians want any chance of taking their fourth straight division championship, they need to take at least two out of three games. They started the series strong Tuesday night, with a 5-2 victory to take the opener. This gets them halfway to their goal.

Shane Bieber continued his impressive season

Shane Bieber was excellent in the win. Bieber went 7.0 innings allowing only 5 hits and punching out 7. He did give up two home runs on the night. One to Marwin Gonzalez and one to Eddie Rosario, but they were both only solo shots.

Bieber has been excellent this season, as he’s needed to be with injuries to Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger. He’s 5-2 with the win against the Twins, with a 3.57 ERA and 92 strikeouts. While he’s been inconsistent at times, Bieber has mostly been excellent this season. It certainly appears Cleveland has a great future piece with Ace potential.

The offense came alive in the series opener

Offensively, it was the Francisco Lindor show early on. After Marwin Gonzalez got the Twins on the board with a homer in the second, Frankie blasted a homer to left in the third inning to tie the game and open up the scoring. After a controversial walk to Leonys Martin in the fifth inning, Lindor then crushed another blast to left to put Cleveland up 3-1. Eddie Rosario did hit a solo shot of his own in the sixth, but then it was Roberto Perez in the moonshot home run to center in the seventh. This is Perez’ eighth of the year. On the very next pitch, we saw Jake Bauers pull a line drive to right field that just cleared the fence to put the Indians up 5-2.

After that, Oliver Perez would come in. Perez would shut down the top of the Twins order in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Brad Hand notched his 17th save of the year that was sealed with a game-ending double play.

Beating the Twins has got to feel good for the struggling Indians squad, but there’s much, much more work to be done. They have two more games against the division leaders, and if they win both they can come within 8.5 games of first place in the central. Carlos Carrasco will be on the mound tomorrow, who will look to follow the lead of Shane Bieber and shake off some of his struggles this year.

Indians offense struggles in loss to White Sox

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The Cleveland Indians offense struggled and only managed to get two hits in Monday night’s 5-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Two hits. That’s it. Two measly hits. This is not enough for a team to win a baseball game. Unfortunately that is all the Cleveland Indians could muster in Monday’s loss. The offense continues to struggle and it is proving difficult for the team to win games.

Francisco Lindor was the only Indians player to collect a hit Monday, going 2-2 with a home run, a sacrifice fly and walk. Lindor got the game started off with a bang, crushing a leadoff home run on the third pitch of the game. It appeared that Cleveland was going to be able to take advantage of Reynaldo Lopez early, but alas it was not meant to be. Lopez had been struggling coming into this game but the Indians made him look like the second coming of Cy Young. Lopez only allowed one run on two hits and striking out six in 7.2 innings. This is yet another instance of the Cleveland offense being unable to take advantage of a lackluster pitcher.

Shane Bieber got the start for Cleveland and things did not go well. Bieber went 6.1 innings and allowed five runs on seven hits. This was the first road loss of his career. Four of the runs came off of solo home runs. Jose Abreu and Wellington Castillo got to Bieber in the first and second inning respectively. Yoan Moncada hit two long balls off of Bieber. Moncada hit homers in the third and sixth inning.

Hopefully the Indians will get a better effort offensively with the addition of promising outfielder Oscar Mercado. Mercado is set to make his debut Tuesday and should help a rather punchless offense.

The second and final game of the two-game series is at 2:10 P.M.

Francisco Lindor powers Indians past Astros

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Francisco Lindor clobbered two home runs and powered the Tribe offense in the Cleveland Indians 6-3 victory over the Houston Astros.

Francisco Lindor hit a landmark home run Friday night, his 100th in his career. Lindor also hit his 101st career home run later in the game to put the game away for the Indians. Both homers were Lindor’s only hits of the game, but they were more than enough to get Cleveland the victory. Lindor’s first home run was a solo shot which came in the third inning, his second was a two-run homer which came in the eighth inning.

Lindor got some help with some others on the roster. Carlos Gonzalez hit his first home run as a member of the Indians in the fourth inning. Leonys Martin also got into the act with his fifth long ball of the campaign. Cleveland was able to get some run support without relying on the home run, Tyler Naquin came through with a tie-breaking RBI double in the eighth inning to give Cleveland the lead for good.

Corey Kluber did not have the best of starts, but was good enough to keep the Indians in the game. Kluber went five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out six and walking three. A high pitch count chased Kluber after five innings and he was unable to pick up the win.

Adam Cimber got the win as he relieved Kluber in the sixth inning. Cimber did not allow a hit in 1.2 innings. Oliver Perez followed Cimber, but did not manage to get an out. Nick Wittgren came in for the Perez and earned a hold for his efforts. Brad Hand worked the ninth and got his eighth save of the year. Hand struck out the side to end the game.

Cleveland has earned a split in the series and will look to win the series over the next two games.

Francisco Lindor may return this weekend

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Cleveland Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor may return to the lineup as soon as this weekend provided he is cleared by the medical staff.

The Cleveland Indians are so close to getting a key member of their team back. Per Tom Withers, Francisco Lindor is back in Cleveland and could return to the team for this weekend’s series with Atlanta.

Tom Withers also reported that Lindor’s status will be determined Saturday morning with the expectation that he will be activated.

Francisco Lindor looks fine in Columbus

As Tom Withers mentioned Francisco Lindor looks ready. Lindor was a member of the Columbus Clippers on a rehab assignment. In 3 games Lindor collected five hits, three of which were of the extra-base variety. Those extra-base hits being one double and two home runs. Lindor showed that he can still swing a bat quite nicely. The only concern is that Lindor did not look entirely healthy while rounding the bases.

This clip is from April 16th and there is still a bit of a limp. Although while rounding the bases on a homer April 18th he looked a little better, but it is worth noting that there is still a limp.

Cleveland has been able to win without one of the best players in baseball.

Even without Lindor the Tribe have been able to win games. If things are not entirely right it may be the right decision to give him a bit more time. The Indians are not in a tailspin and in desperate need of Lindor at this moment in time.

However if Cleveland’s medical staff determines he can play, it may be wise to give him some days off early in the return process. There is also the possibility of having Lindor DH in order to ensure he does not re-injure his ankle in the field.

It is all about the long haul with Francisco Lindor. It is not worth rushing him back prematurely only for him to suffer another injury. The postponement of Friday’s game with Atlanta gives the Indians and Francisco Lindor more time to properly evaluate his injury and if he is indeed good to go. Although this probably means if he can play he will not appear in one of the two games of Saturday’s doubleheader.

Francisco Lindor may miss three weeks

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Cleveland Indians All-Star shorstop Francisco Lindor could miss three more weeks after his evaluation with Dr. Robert Anderson.

Francisco Lindor had his injured ankle evaluated in Green Bay, Wisconsin and it turns out he may miss three more weeks of the season. Lindor is being diagnosed with a mild high ankle sprain. Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reported the news Tuesday afternoon.

A rough timetable has been established for Francisco Lindor’s return.

This plan is as expected when it comes to the type of injury and the position that Francisco Lindor plays. Add in the fact that Lindor also suffered a calf injury and expected time missed is not a surprise.

If it takes Francisco Lindor a bit longer to return that is more than fine. First and foremost Cleveland needs Lindor to be healthy. A healthy Lindor for the majority of the games is better than no Lindor at all. The last thing the Indians need at this point in time is for Lindor re-aggravate the injury and have his return delayed even further.

Cleveland has seen just how easily it is for someone to have trouble coming back from these types of injuries. The Indians were without Michael Brantley for the last two months of 2017 due to an ankle injury. Brantley attempted to play in the playoffs but was rather disappointing, going 1-11 in three games. In regards to his calf injury, Lonnie Chisenhall missed a lot of time in 2018 because of a calf injury. Lindor ending up like either player would be less than optimal for Cleveland.

It appears that the Indians are being cautious when it comes to Francisco Lindor. This is the best option to take. Cleveland without Lindor for an extended period of time would be in trouble. The Indians lineup is just not all that imposing without Lindor and if he were to miss more time than expected it could seriously impact their postseason aspirations.

Francisco Lindor suffers ankle injury

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Francisco Lindor was already expected to miss the beginnning of the season, but after another injury his 2019 debut may be delayed just a bit longer.

2019 has not gotten off to a strong start for Francisco Lindor. Lindor suffered a calf injury training before coming to Arizona. Now it is being reported that Lindor has suffered another injury. Lindor sustained an ankle injury during a Minor League game Tuesday.

The injuries that Francisco Lindor have suffered may impact his ability to play in the field. The shortstop position requires lateral movement to play at the very worst, adequately. Lindor is an excellent defensive shortstop and any loss of range could negatively impact Cleveland’s infield defense. This could prove problematic if it is a longterm issue. In the interim Cleveland expects to deploy Eric Stamets as the Opening Day shortstop until Lindor returns. Brad Miller could also see time at shortstop if Cleveland decides to utilize Max Moroff at second base in the absence of Jason Kipnis.

While it was a good sign that Francisco Lindor was participating in Minor League games, there was still a bit of hesitation about his status for this season. A calf injury essentially sidetracked two years for former Indians outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall. The last thing the Indians need at this time is for Lindor to miss significant time. That Indians lineup looks a lot less imposing without Lindor in it.

As long as Francisco Lindor returns sometime this season and produces at level he is capable of there is nothing to worry about. Cleveland needs Lindor for October, not just Opening Day. If Lindor needs more time to ensure he is healthy that is more than fine. The Indians need their best players to be healthy in the postseason, not just at the beginning of the season.


Indians to be without Lindor, Kipnis

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It has been reported that the Cleveland Indians will be without shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jason Kipnis to start the season.

The news about Francisco Lindor is not all that surprising. When he suffered his injury it was expected to be out for an extended period of time. While quite a bit of time has passed, the earliest Lindor can play for the Indians is April 4. Jason Kipnis has also suffered an injury and will not be ready for Opening Day. Lindor, along with Bradley Zimmer will start the season on the newly renamed injured list.

As Indians fans know a calf injury can impact a player over the course of an entire season. This is exactly what happened with Lonnie Chisenhall. Chisenhall was limited to 29 games last season due to this exact type of injury. Of course this does not mean Lindor and Kipnis will suffer the same fate as Chisenhall, however it does remain a thought that some will entertain.

For the time being Cleveland will have to explore other options for shortstop and second base. In Friday night’s victory over the Cubs, Max Moroff started at second while Brayan Rocchio manned shortstop. Rocchio is obviously not a realistic option, but Moroff will see time in the interim. Additionally Eric Stamets will replace Lindor at shortstop. This is per Andre Knott who reported the news on SportsTime Ohio. This came during Friday’s broadcast against the Chicago Cubs.

While this is not an ideal start for the Indians, they do not exactly face a tough start to their schedule. Through April 14 the Indians face Minnesota, the White Sox, Blue Jays, Tigers and Royals. Cleveland should be able to manage their way through a stretch of relatively lackluster opponents while they are without their starting shortstop and second baseman.

Indians: Ramirez, Lindor Top 10 in MLB

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MLB Network’s Top 100 Right Now list was released and the Cleveland Indians have two players in the Top 10, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez.

Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez already made two notable lists on MLB Network earlier this offseason. Each being named the top player at their respective position. Now with MLB Network’s Top 100 Right Now list, the Cleveland Indians have two players inside the Top 10.

Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor checks in at fourth on the list. The Indians shortstop is the number one shortstop listed and the only one inside the Top 10. The next shortstop listed is Manny Machado. Although he is also listed as a third baseman. The next player who sees time exclusively at shortstop is Colorado’s Trevor Story who made the list at 30. Lindor ranked 17th overall last season and it is not surprise to see this jump after his productive 2018 campaign.

Jose Ramirez

Coming in at ninth overall is Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez. Ramirez came in 22nd on the list in 2018 and after another successful season finds himself inside the Top 10 with his left side of the infield teammate Francisco Lindor. Unlike Lindor, Ramirez is not the top player listed at his position. Colorado’s Nolan Arenado is third while Houston’s Alex Bregman is seventh. Arenado was also ahead of Ramirez last season while Bregman leapfrogged Ramirez this season.

The curious thing with Jose Ramirez being ranked ninth on this list is that MLB Network ranked the Indians third baseman the best at his position not too long ago. While this list was not compiled by the same people and of course a different set of data was used, it is still a bit interesting to see the different ways of evaluating players.

The Cleveland Indians left side of the infield is the best in baseball. That is a fact. Whether it is by the individual position rankings or Top 100 Right Now, Cleveland has the best duo at shortstop and third base.