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Cleveland Indians: Updated Projected Opening Day Lineup

By Aaron Gershon

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 26: Third baseman Yu Chang #2 of the Cleveland Indians in his ready stance during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on July 26, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 26: Third baseman Yu Chang #2 of the Cleveland Indians in his ready stance during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on July 26, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 29: Starting pitcher Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the first inning of Game One of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 29: Starting pitcher Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the first inning of Game One of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

7. Second Base, Yu Chang

2020 Stats: .182/.308/.182 0 HR, 1 RBI

Even with the addition of promising infielder Andres Gimenez from the Mets, manager Terry Francona seems ready to give Yu Chang the first crack as the teams’ starting second basemen.

Chang has only played in 38 big league games and is a career .182 hitter, but he offers versatility as he plays second base, shortstop and third and the Indians feel he can eventually be an everyday player at the MLB level.

Thus, expect Chang to get a chance to start but to be on a short leash with Gimenez waiting in the wings.

8. Centerfield, Bradley Zimmer

2020 Stats: .162/.360/.243 1HR, 3 RBI’s

With the Indians non-tendering Delino DeShields Jr, former first round pick Bradley Zimmer figures to get one final chance to prove himself in centerfield.

Injuries have played a key role in Zimmer’s struggles, but last season, while healthy, he lasted just 20 games before his struggles forced the Indians to send him down to the teams’ alternate site.

If it weren’t for a lack of depth, Zimmer’s time in Cleveland would likely already be over. Instead he’ll likely get a shot to start in 2021.

9. Right Field, Oscar Mercado

2020 Stats: .128/.174/.174 1HR, 6 RBI’s

After earning rookie of the year consideration in 2019, Oscar Mercado found himself riding the bench in 2020 after a horrendous sophomore season long slump.

Despite this, he still has a high ceiling and ability to play all three outfield positions giving him and with the teams’ lack of outfield depth, he should surely get a chance for redemption in 2021.

Expect him at the bottom of the order to hopefully be a tone-setter, which could lead to him instead kicking off the top of the order by seasons’ end.

Starting Pitcher: Shane Bieber

2020 Stats: 8-1. 1.63 ERA, 122 K’s, 77.1 IP

On opening day, the easiest decision for Francona will be handing the ball to Shane Bieber and letting him go to work.

Bieber had one of the best single seasons’ of any Indians starting pitcher in team history as he cruised his way to his first career Cy Young Award.

Any time Bieber is on the mound, the Indians have a chance to win, given as he does not need much run-support to get the job done

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