The Cleveland Indians look to win the series against the Chicago White Sox tonight, and will do so with Lonnie Chisenhall who is making his season debut.
The Cleveland Indians need a boost on offense and Lonnie Chisenhall will look to help tonight as he returns from the disabled list.
Chisenhall’s return means Tyler Naquin is heading down to Columbus, but it certainly won’t be a permanent move.
Chisenhall was playing some center field in the minors during his recent rehab stint, and it is where he will play tonight in his return.
Today's Tribe 9. Chisenhall is back... and in center: pic.twitter.com/6wGVldhEzM
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 13, 2017
The only real weak spot in the lineup is Yan Gomes, but there is still plenty of time for him to turn things around. And if he continues to struggle, Roberto Perez is ready to take on a full-time role.
It is too early to say the Indians need to win tonight’s game, but another poor outing on offense would do nothing to help the collective confidence of the group. Making it to the World Series in 2016 has given everyone valuable experience to prevent any major mental slump, but a win tonight would help their spirits and prepare them for the weekend series against the Detroit Tigers.
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The key is to get some production from the top of the lineup, as only Francisco Lindor is off to a great start to the season. A big hit or two from Edwin Encarnacion would also be nice as it would put out some of the most fiery hot takes.
Final result aside, it will be nice to have Chisenhall back in the lineup. Injuries were a main storyline a year ago and it would be nice to see the team remain healthy throughout the year.
The final piece is now Jason Kipnis, who was removed from Wednesday’s game in Akron after being hit on the hand, but luckily it wasn’t because of a major injury.
Better wrap him in pillows until he is cleared to return.
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Josh Tomlin is on the hill tonight and Lonnie is back, so settle in for game number nine of what has already been a season filled with plenty of emotions.
