Cleveland Indians: Roster moves to make note of in September

September call-ups are always an interesting time period. The Cleveland Indians have already made some interesting and exciting moves early in the month.

This final month of the season could prove to be a real test for the Cleveland Indians. Not based on the level of competition (although it certainly seems so), but because the team will have some evaluating of their roster to do.

The addition of Josh Donaldson will through the infield into a bit of a flux that hopefully won’t affect their communication. But with the offense in a weird spot, the addition of the “Bringer of Rain” should help the Tribe produce more runs. But there are other roster moves to keep an eye on.

The Indians recently called-up catcher Eric Haase from Triple-A Columbus as part of the roster expansion. Haase was an excellent catcher for Columbus and had himself an impressive Spring Training. In Triple-A Haase recorded 20 homers with a .236 batting average. With the year-long struggles of Roberto Perez, it’ll be interesting to see how large of a role Haase will have with the club in September.

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Another addition that we caught a peek of yesterday was that of relief pitcher Jon Edwards. Edwards has worked two innings of relief since being called-up and allowed one run in that span. He’ll likely be used in a relief role along the likes of Adam Cimber and Neil Ramirez.

Today the Indians made another move, selecting the contract for Triple-A All-Star Brandon Barnes along with Adam Rosales. Barnes had a remarkable season with Columbus posting a .273 batting average, the best he’s posted since his time in Double-A in 2012. He also notched 81 RBI’s, the most of anyone in Columbus and earned himself a nod in the International League All-Star game.

Barnes provides the Indians outfield with much-needed depth, as Tyler Naquin was moved to the 60-day DL. With Jason Kipnis likely moving to the outfield as well, don’t be surprised if you see utility man Adam Rosales make some minor appearances in the infield.

While the roster expands, the largest key will be keeping any eye on what positions are called-up, if any more. The bringing up a catcher along with outfielders was a bit of a no-brainer, but if we see more pitchers called-up it may be a sign of the conditions of Trevor Bauer and Andrew Miller.