Cleveland Indians: Abraham Almonte being given another opportunity

Abraham Almonte returned to the Cleveland Indians Wednesday night and now has the chance to prove he belongs for the duration of the year.

Abraham Almonte‘s return from the disabled list isn’t high up on the totem pole of the storylines currently surrounding the Cleveland Indians, but he made a statement Wednesday night.

Almonte returned to the lineup for the first time since May 15, picking up three of the Indians’ 14 hits in a 6-2 loss. None of his hits drove in a run, which was a problem plaguing the team all night.

A roster spot opened for Almonte when Carlos Santana was put on the paternity list just over nine months after the Indians clinched the AL Central, but Santana’s return doesn’t necessarily mean Almonte is headed back to Columbus.

Once Santana returns either this weekend or after the break, Almonte can stay as the fifth outfielder due to Austin Jackson currently being on the disabled list. Expect Shawn Armstrong to make yet another trip down to Columbus.

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Almonte hit .298 while receiving regular playing time back in April, but picked up just two hits in 29 at-bats in May before hitting the disabled list on May 15.

His absence made way for Bradley Zimmer who has asserted himself as the full-time center fielder. With Michael Brantley firmly set in left field and Lonnie Chisenhall lighting it up against lefties, two reserve roles remain for three players.

Brandon Guyer, Almonte and Jackson may not all make it through July, as one will have to go if the entire outfield group can remain healthy, which has yet to be true this season.

Guyer is the one struggling the most out of the three, slashing .188/.257/.281, but has only appeared in 26 games due to his own stint on the disabled list. He is also under contract through 2018, while Almonte and Jackson are on one-year deals.

Jackson is the most successful, slashing .304/.383/.500, but his current injury will give Guyer and Almonte the ability to improve their numbers and fight for those final two spots.

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It is hard to make a firm prediction based on the amount of injuries suffered this season, but the next few weeks should make the situation a bit more clear. Almonte may be first in line to receive a demotion as of right now, but that could change with a great month of July.