Cleveland Indians: Yandy Diaz getting his shot in the outfield

The Cleveland Indians were in need of an outfielder when Michael Brantley went down, and Yandy Diaz has stepped and seized the opportunity.

Several key players have missed some time in 2017 due to injuries, and Yandy Diaz was one of the first players to get an opportunity because of an injury.

Jason Kipnis missing time to start the year allowed Diaz to step in and get a starting infield spot, but his return meant Diaz was headed back to Columbus.

But the recent injury to Michael Brantley gave Diaz another shot, as he will be playing in left field tonight after doing the same last night.

Diaz went 0-for-3 last night in his return, but did draw a walk in what was yet another offensive struggle for the Indians on offense in a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Most importantly, he didn’t make any blunders in the outfield.

Brantley is going to return to left field once he returns, but it may not mean Diaz is headed back to Columbus right away.

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He may get some time at first base, while players like Austin Jackson and Abraham Almonte may be in danger of losing a spot.

But injuries can pop up at any time, so it is too early to assume who is losing a spot in favor of Diaz.

He is once again in the lineup as the team is looking for any sort of spark during what has been a rough month of May. The entire pitching staff has been phenomenal, but the offense has scored just 13 runs in seven games this month.

Great pitching performances have been wasted, so hopefully Diaz can provide some help to this lineup that is playing well under its potential.

Next: 3 prospects who can help in 2017

Indians fans saw some new faces called up and brought in after a decent start to the 2016 season, and that may happen once again in 2017 if improvements are needed. It is up to players like Diaz to seize the opportunity and secure a full-time role.