The Indians called up 21-year-old prospect Francisco Lindor to play shortstop:
The much-anticipated call that many Indians fans have been clamoring for was made Saturday night, as news broke via social media that Cleveland would promote its top prospect Lindor from Triple-A Columbus in time for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Lindor received the word of his new destination during a rain delay in the Clippers’ Saturday evening contest.
The move has been a long time coming and has tested the patience of many fans of the feather as the shortstop play this season, both at the plate and in the field, had left something to be desired in terms of productivity.
Indeed, shortstop was a black hole offensively, producing a .201/.263/.260 slash line. Shortstops aren’t expected to hit well, but they need to be better than a productive pitcher. Don’t expect Lindor to hit for power, but if he can get on base at a .320 or .330 clip, he’ll greatly improve the position. Defense at the position was near the bottom in UZR/150, so it should be easy to improve there, too.
There are other holes in the Cleveland lineup as well, but they may have fixed third base with Giovanny Urshela. The Indians kept their left-side of the infield prospects down long enough to avoid super-two status, so they are set up to be very productive on that side for the next six and a half years.