Cleveland Indians: 5 internal options to replace Cesar Hernandez at second

Owen Miller, UTIL, Cleveland Indians

The corresponding move on the major league roster when Hernandez was traded was calling up Owen Miller. After beginning the season on a hot streak in Triple-A, Miller got his first taste of the big leagues and fell short of expectations, slashing just .106/.160/.128. Now, he’s found his swing again in Columbus and will rejoin the Cleveland Indians with a big opportunity ahead of him.

During his first stint, Miller started just nine games, but a third of those came at second base. He totaled 15 chances over 28 innings and was error-free. In Columbus, second has been his main position as well. He’s totaled 187 innings over 21 starts at the position, committing just three errors for a .972 fielding percentage.

As for at the plate, Miller bounced back in July after struggling through June. It wasn’t the offensive explosion we saw in May, but rather a middle ground. In July, Miller has slashed .253/.329/.480 with five doubles and four home runs.

Those stats aren’t great, but it might be enough to get the Tribe through the season at second. Miller is most likely not the long-term answer, but his service time has already been ticking. Using him over an up-and-coming prospect is the better option long-term. While he might not light up the position, he can hold down the fort through the end of the year.