Cleveland Indians: A Look at September Call-Up Options

Erik Gonzalez & Yandy Diaz

With the absence of Brantley this season, the man who would have served as the team’s super-utility man, Jose Ramirez, became an everyday player, which has paid serious dividends thanks to his breakout performance. Ramirez being a mainstay in the lineup has presented a challenge for Francona, though, who has had to rely heavily on Michael Martinez as his swiss army knife.

Martinez has appeared in 39 games, slashing .260/.280/.356 with an OPS+ of 68, and was even purchased by the Boston Red Sox in July before being waived and ultimately returning to the Indians. While his leadership is often praised, his production is a liability, and in a pennant race he should be seeing as few at-bats as possible.

The 24-year old Gonzalez got his feet wet at the major league level in late July, appearing in 10 games and going 1-for-9 at the plate. Since being optioned back to Columbus, though, he has hit .304 with with six doubles, five home runs, and 11 RBIs in 15 games through Sunday. Gonzalez can play all around the infield and in the outfield, and should see the field for the Indians in September.

As should Diaz, who in just his third year of pro ball has rocketed up Cleveland’s organization and its prospect rankings. At 25, the Cuban-born Diaz is an unusual prospect, but he’s done nothing but hit in 2016. In 112 games between Double-A and Triple-A, he is slashing .314/.407/.436 with 18 doubles, eight homers, and 52 RBIs, and has been working in the outfield since joining the Clippers.

The Tribe outfield, particularly without Brantley and Abraham Almonte who is ineligible for the postseason, is a little thin, with left-handed hitters Tyler Naquin and Lonnie Chisenhall and righties Rajai Davis and Brandon Guyer. Finding out if Diaz can contribute at the big league level is particularly important, then, as he could fill the fifth outfielder spot. The only issue is that he is not currently on the 40-man roster, and would have to be added.

Beyond Gonzalez and Diaz, Jesus Aguilar, Collin Cowgill, Joey Butler, and Giovanny Urshela could garner consideration for a call-up, though it seems unlikely that any of them would make much of an impact.

Next: Too Soon?