Cleveland Indians: Four prospects who could be the next player called up

Daniel Johnson

In terms of finding someone to platoon with Jordan Luplow in the outfield, there might not be a better option than Daniel Johnson. He only has 12 major league at-bats, logging a single hit in those chances, but his minor league sample size shows a strong showing against right-handed pitching, fitting the position of platoon with Luplow in center field.

During the 2019 season, Johnson logged 338 at-bats against right-handed pitching in the minor leagues. In those 338 opportunities, he slashed .311/.368/.538 with 26 doubles, six triples, 13 home runs and 55 RBI.

Now, you could argue he already was given that chance. During his brief stint last year all 12 of his at-bats were against right-handed pitching. The keyword there is brief. Just 12 at-bats isn’t enough to see if he could do it for a season, especially when those at-bats are full of major league jitters and in the midst of a season without minor leagues.

If the Cleveland Indians are using the beginning of the season as a time to experiment, which is the way it seems with Amed Rosario in center, then give Johnson another chance. I can understand if the team wants to wait to give him some Triple-A at-bats or even if it has to do with service time, but one way or another we should get to see Johnson in Cleveland this season. He’s proved all he can in Columbus.