The Indians have plenty of moving parts in their lineup, particularly in the outfield until Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall return from the disabled list.
In the team’s Opening Day game against Boston left-handed ace David Price, Rajai Davis received the start in center field, Marlon Byrd was in left field and Collin Cowgirl took over in right field, allowing for an all-right-handed outfield to be in the lineup. On Wednesday, against right-handed starter Clay Buchholz, Byrd move to right field and Tyler Naquin (left-handed, center field) and Jose Ramirez (switch-hitter, left field) were inserted into the lineup.
It’s the same lineup manager Terry Francona went with on Thursday against right-hander Joe Kelly, perhaps setting a precedent with a focus on Davis. But, Francona says that isn’t the case. Davis and others aren’t in a strict platoon and won’t be switching in and out of the lineup dependent solely on the opposing starting pitcher. In this instance, it’s more about balancing the upcoming schedule—the Indians are slated to play three left-handers in their upcoming weekend series agains the Chicago White Sox—and making sure hitters aren’t spending multiple days in a row on the bench.
“It’s just trying to balance out everything and hopefully through this weather and things like that, keep guys feeling good and healthy and also productive,” Francona said Thursday. “But no, it’s not a platoon.”
Chisenhall (left wrist impingement) could come off the disabled list on April 12 and join the team in Tampa Bay. He’s expected to play in a rehab assignment for Triple-A Columbus Thursday night, weather permitting. Brantley is with the team in Cleveland until the Indians travel to Chicago, in which case he’ll also go to Columbus to continue to work toward returning to the lineup.
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Indians don’t see Rajai Davis, outfield as strict platoon
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