Cleveland Indians Roundup: Indians Win; Rajai Davis Effect; Abraham Almonte Conundrum

What will the Cleveland Indians do with the outfield when Abraham Almonte returns?

The Cleveland Indians opened a new series against the Boston Red Sox yesterday, and Matt Bretz gave us a preview of what to expect. At the start of the series, the Red Sox were tied for the best record in the American League with the Chicago White Sox and the Baltimore Orioles. The Indians, on the other hand, find themselves looking up at these teams, although they are only 2.5 games behind the White Sox. 

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As for the pitching match ups, Corey Kluber and Clay Buchholz dueled it out last night in a 4-2 victory for the Tribe. Trevor Bauer will take the hill tonight against Joe Kelly. To close the series, Danny Salazar and Rick Porcello will face off in what should be an interesting battle. If the Indians want to win the series, they will have to continue the hot hitting they showed against the Cincinatti Reds, but more important will be the ability to prevent the Red Sox from scoring. The Red Sox are the only team in the American League that has scored more runs per game than the Tribe.

In other news, Ryan Dewulf looked into the effect that Rajai Davis has had on the team. Davis has provided the Indians with a solid bat and plus speed, which has made the absence of Michael Brantley bearable. If the outfielder keeps up the results, he will be more than worth his $5.2 million salary.

Also from the outfield, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com asks what the Cleveland Indians will do with Abraham Almonte when he returns from his PED ban. We are now half way through the suspension, and the outfield has been scrambled but okay. The 26-year-old still has an option left, so the team could send him to Triple-A, although the Indians might need him on their big-league roster. Almonte may not have the highest potential on the team, but he should be able to provide decent offense and defense at a low cost.

More from around the American League Central:

Cleveland Indians-Boston Red Sox Series Preview – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians: The Rajai Effect – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians: Dan Otero Has Re-Emerged as a Lethal Bullpen Weapon – Wahoo’s on First

What Will Cleveland Indians Do With Abraham Almonte When 80-Game Ban Ends? – Cleveland.com

Kluber Extends Tribe’s Winning Streak to Five – Indians.com