The long wait for Cleveland Indians fans is finally over.
Franmil Reyes is back.
The Indians have activated Franmil Reyes from the injured list. He's batting fourth tonight.
Yu Chang optioned to Triple-A.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 2, 2021
The slugger has been out since May 22 and will return at a time when the team now has to be cautious with Eddie Rosario.
It seems that when someone returns, another goes out with an injury of their own.
That is just the way the season has gone and getting Reyes back is great news.
Returning At A Great Time
Look who's back!#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/9joBvL6xif
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 2, 2021
The Indians desperately need Reyes’ bat in the lineup.
He has 11 home runs and 29 RBI in 40 games this season and is a true sidekick to Jose Ramirez in the lineup.
Rosario has been doing well recently, but now he may be needing some time off.
After that, Amed Rosario has stepped up as well.
Reyes’ home run mark still has him third on the team and there is no reason why he can’t go for 30 or more given he returns at full strength.
Yu Chang Demoted
Yu Chang showed some flashes, but he was not doing enough to warrant keeping a spot on the roster.
To be fair, he was only being relied upon as a utility man.
And while he started the year getting time at first base, that job is Bobby Bradley‘s now.
Chang’s future with the Indians is a murky one.
He is still only 25 years old, but has yet to prove he deserves a full-time job anywhere on the field.
Getting everyday work would likely help his offensive output, however, the Indians aren’t going to bump anyone for him.
Thus, a utility role may be his future unless the Indians either trade or release him to pursue a new opportunity.
Another Positive Update
Reyes is back and Roberto Perez should return by the weekend as well.
But the positive updates do not end there.
#Indians RHP Zach Plesac will make his second (Rehab) start this Saturday at Double-A Akron.
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) July 2, 2021
Zach Plesac will be back on the hill Saturday in Akron as he looks to make his own return to the club.
Whether the team wants him back before the break remains to be seen.
Yet if he pitches Saturday, it may be wise just to wait until after the break and give the rotation a reset with Plesac as the number one guy.
That is, until the true ace in Shane Bieber is able to make his return.
It may be impossible for the Indians to ever get back to full strength in 2021.
Rosario seemingly injuring himself proves this year is just going to be a battle.
Tito said Eddie Rosario's MRI came back clear. He'll have the training staff work with him today and the team will see how he reacts to that.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) July 2, 2021
But getting top talent back, even if others go out, will obviously help the cause.
Reyes is first, with plenty of others to follow.
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