Indians are opting for the outfielder Oscar Mercado, by several reporters (including Atlético’s Zack Meisel) This is somewhat surprising, given that Mercado had been a candidate to take a role in Cleveland’s uncertain mix of outfield.
After a productive rookie display in 2019, Mercado opened the 2020 season as the central defender of the Indians. The speedster fell to the ground, however, hitting only 0.128 / 0.174 / 0.174 with a single home run in 93 plate appearances. These struggles caused Mercado to be sent to the alternative training site in mid-August; Bradley Zimmer and what left Delino DeShields Jr. and Greg Allen gained playing time in the position along the stretch.
The downgrade of today’s market seems to pave the way for Zimmer to take up most of his playing time at the center early in the season. The 28-year-old Zimmer has only one .224 / .300 / .349 line in 510 MLB plate appearances. Shortstop Amed Rosario he also got some grass work in the spring training and it seems likely that he will be able to get the reps at the center in the regular season. Prospect Daniel Johnson it could be an option at some point, but it was also chosen earlier this week. Jake Bauers, Jordan Luplow, Josh Naylor, Harold Ramírez, Franmil Reyes and Eddie Rosario they are all on the list of 40 men, but everyone in that group fits better in the outer corner field.
In the news of other Indians, the wording of Rule 5 Trevor Stephan will be on the Opening Day list, MLB.com’s Mandy Bell was one of the people watching. The 25-year-old righty was selected by the Yankees’ organization. He will need to remain on the active squad (or the MLB injured list) for the entire season or else be placed on exemption and then be offered back to New York.