Friday 5: Prospects to Watch in Cleveland Indians Spring Training

Jesus Aguilar, first base

May 19, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Jesus Aguilar (36) hits a sacrifice fly during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Indians are not the healthiest bunch right now.

In particular, Nick Swisher is recovering from offseason surgery on both knees and Brandon Moss is recovering from offseason hip surgery.  Should either of those options start the season on the disabled list, Jesus Aguilar will likely get the first look to join the club for regular at-bats.

Aguilar has been a widely celebrated power bat for the last two seasons. He is the team’s No. 9-ranked prospect and as a right-handed bat, he can certainly fill in for the Indians at either first base or designated hitter.

In 19 games with the Tribe last season, Aguilar was just 4-for-33 with 13 strikeouts and a measly .121 average. Now with big league experience under his belt, Aguilar is primed and ready to make a big splash in Cleveland this season.

With prospects like James Ramsey and Carlos Moncrief putting together impressive springs, however, Aguilar will need to must keep pace to ensure he gets the first crack at the bigs.