Cleveland Indians: Figuring out the current outfield rodeo

The Cleveland Indians are continuing to struggle with injuries and play in their outfield. Let’s review what has happened so far.

I have written about the Cleveland Indians’ outfield issues here and here. These issues worsen with recent long-term injuries to Brandon Guyer, Abraham Almonte, and Austin Jackson.

Also, with Yandy Diaz playing poorly, the Cleveland Indians have gone from outfield rich to outfield poor really quickly. Currently, the Indians are playing Bradley Zimmer in center field, while Lonnie Chisenhall went back to right field.

Zimmer crushed a homer in his second game, but he is not a sustainable option in center field. Chisenhall continues to play well, and so does Michael Brantley. The Indians, though, are almost out of options.

They called up Daniel Robertson, who has minimal major league experience and is not that good, for the fourth outfielder spot until they can figure out what to do. Zimmer cannot stay up and Robertson is not going to stick with the team.

After designating Michael Martinez for assignment then trading him to Tampa Bay for nothing, the team is clearly trying to figure out what to do. Thankfully, it looks like Almonte will be back sooner than later, so the Tribe can send Zimmer back down to Triple-A with Diaz to figure out how to hit. Tyler Naquin is on the DL (since May 3). He is crushing Triple-A pitching, hitting .396, but the Indians cannot call him up while he’s injured.

Jackson should be back soon, and if Jackson and Almonte both come back, the Tribe will be in better shape. With some National League games coming up, we could see Carlos Santana suiting up in the outfield again.

But, if we are looking at long-term options, is Terry Francona ready to keep Lonnie Chisenhall in center field until some combination of Zimmer, Naquin, or Diaz steps it up? Is the team okay with having Almonte as an everyday player? With limited options now, the Indians sure could use getting healthy.

I imagine that the Indians will settle on Chisenhall in right field, with Almonte spelling him occasionally against left-handed pitchers. The Tribe will decide on Zimmer or Naquin in center field, and they will keep one of them up starting before the All-Star break.

Next: Indians smart to stick Gonzalez in utility role

Until these positive things happen, we will all sit worried about the present and future of the Cleveland Indians outfield.