The Cleveland Indians need some fresh arms this weekend after Logan Allen‘s short start Friday night.
The team decided to make a move by calling up an exciting left-handed pitching prospect in Sam Hentges.
To make room, Ben Gamel is heading to the alternate training site.
Few fans, if any, will miss his bat in the lineup.
#Indians have called up 24yr old LHP prospect Sam Hentges & optioned OF Ben Gamel to the alternate training camp. Look for Hentges to possibly make his MLB debut today in relief if needed.
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) April 17, 2021
Hentges now gets a shot to prove he belongs with the club on a full-time basis.
As for Gamel, he may be out of chances.
Learning More About Sam Hentges
Hentges is a dominating force on the mound.
He stands 6-foot-6 and is going to give you upper 90s on the radar gun.
The southpaw has spent his time in the minors as a starting pitcher and last played with Double-A Akron in 2019.
He finished with a 2-13 record, which stands out, but of course that is not a concern to the organization.
What matters is his overall development.
Scouting report I had of Hentges last March. Since then velocity has increased. Now touches 100 mph sits 93-95 mph. #OurCLE #Indians https://t.co/1ZuieNPMEj
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) April 17, 2021
The Indians already have Emmanuel Clase, James Karinchak, and even Bryan Shaw acting as high-velocity arms out of the bullpen.
Adding a left-hander to the mix could totally change the way Terry Francona strategizes late in games.
Of course, Hentges will have to prove he has the necessary control and command to stick in this bullpen.
He just needs to make his MLB debut first and then go from there.
Ben Gamel’s Time May Be Up
Gamel has not exactly lit the world on fire so far in 2021.
He had one hit in 14 at-bats and it appears Amed Rosario is going to be getting significant playing time in center field.
If the platoon approach with Gamel and Jordan Luplow isn’t needed, Gamel will be out of a job.
Being sent down this early in the season is also bad for Gamel because Oscar Mercado should still be in the mix in center as well.
He is going to get a shot over Gamel and Bradley Zimmer is a name to remember as well.
Gamel is a vintage Indians early season player.
He is a veteran who was getting a shot to succeed on a very short leash.
It did not work out and it would be a surprise if he received significant playing time again this season.
A New Defensive Alignment
The Indians are in Cincinnati which means Franmil Reyes‘ bat would normally be out of the lineup.
But Francona is getting creative and fans will see Reyes in the outfield Saturday afternoon.
Josh Naylor is sliding in at first so he remains in the lineup as well.
New game.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/BGuxkuEMLb
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 17, 2021
Jake Bauers is still not seen as an everyday player and this decision drives home that point even further.
He should still get a chance to pinch-hit at some point in the game.
But he is another player like Gamel whose time may be up sooner than later.
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