Cleveland Indians: A Look at September Call-Up Options

The Major League Baseball season is quickly closing in on September and expanded rosters. With the Cleveland Indians in a pennant race, is there anyone in the minor leagues that could help the team?

After Sunday’s come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, the Cleveland Indians are 71-51 in 2016, and hold a seven-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central. For the most part, manager Terry Francona has found a rotation with his roster that has been effective, and the Indians are on pace for their first division title since 2007.

But there are some holes in the lineup, and with September 1st and the expansion of big league rosters looming, the Tribe will be faced with some interesting decisions surrounding minor league call-ups. In years past, the likes of Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and Jose Ramirez have made their MLB debuts for the Indians after reaching the show in September.

A season ago, as Cleveland finished the year 81-80 and on the outside looking in at the postseason, the only real notable call-ups were relievers Shawn Armstrong, who debuted and made two appearances in August before seeing action in six September games, and Giovanni Soto, who likewise appeared in six games and was sent to the Chicago Cubs this past April.

Given that the Tribe is in the playoff hunt, a massive influx of new blood seems unlikely. Even small contributions could be found a couple of hours south down I-71, though, that could help propel the team to meaningful games in October.

With that in mind, who are the most likely players to find themselves in Cleveland during the season’s final month?

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