Cleveland Indians: Bradley Zimmer making his MLB debut tonight

Bradley Zimmer is making his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians tonight at home after being called up earlier this afternoon.

Cleveland Indians fans headed to tonight’s game are in for a treat, as the organization’s top prospect is making his MLB debut tonight.

Bradley Zimmer is batting ninth and starting in center field tonight after being called up earlier this afternoon. An injury to Abraham Almonte opened up a roster spot for Zimmer, so it will be interesting to see if he can take advantage and remain on the roster once Almonte and Austin Jackson are ready to return.

Tonight’s lineup also features Edwin Encarnacion hitting fifth, with Jason Kipnis in the leadoff spot. The decision to put Kipnis first has benefitted him the past two games, but fans are still waiting for Encarnacion to have a big game of his own. Perhaps he will tonight.

Tonight’s game is a special occasion for another player as well.

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Carlos Santana has become a constant for Indians fans this decade, so it is great to see him reach this accomplishment. He has played in at least 143 games each year since 2011, and has been a consistent threat in the lineup during that span.

That games played mark is more impressive when remembering he was primarily a catcher for his first four years with the team.

He has struggled at the outset of this season, but a recent move to the cleanup spot in place of Encarnacion could serve to jumpstart his year, after he did alright but never excelled hitting leadoff.

Next: Injuries opened the door for Zimmer

So while the spotlight will be on Zimmer during tonight’s game, fans should take a second to appreciate all that Santana has done for this team throughout his career. There is a chance he may not be back in 2018, but that doesn’t mean he can’t remain a fan favorite for the rest of this season.