The Cleveland Indians picked up an exciting 6-5 victory Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Angels.
One player not around for the festivities was Andres Gimenez.
The core piece of the Francisco Lindor trade opened the year as the starting shortstop with fellow infielder Amed Rosario getting time all over the field.
Now it appears Rosario is the man at short as Gimenez has been demoted.
Announced corresponding move 22yr old (SS) Andres Gimenez optioned to Triple-A Columbus. https://t.co/0lA3bSgstu
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) May 18, 2021
This decision also adds a new pitcher to the roster in Jean Carlos Mejia.
So why was Gimenez ultimately demoted at this point in the season?
A Slow Start
The 22-year-old did not appear ready to hold down an everyday MLB job just yet.
And to be clear, there is nothing wrong with that.
A wiser move may have been to just let him open the year in the minors, however, the fact the Triple-A season didn’t start until May likely played a part in that decision.
The team got to see Gimenez in game action instead of just training at the alternate site.
Before the demotion he was slashing .179/.226/.308.
As the numbers show, he was not exactly doing well.
Gimenez did hit two home runs, but also had 25 strikeouts in only 29 games.
We are still talking about a player with limited MLB experience.
The shortstop debuted with the New York Mets in 2020 and appeared in 49 games.
That is nowhere near enough time and it also came during a unique season.
The flashes of success on defense were evident.
He just needs to develop more at the plate and the front office had to know this was a possibility.
Expecting him to be a star right away is just not realistic.
It now appears the older Rosario will stick at shortstop while Harold Ramirez gets time in center field.
More About Mejia
It is interesting the Indians opted to go with Mejia over an outfielder like Bradley Zimmer or Oscar Mercado.
That speaks to the confidence the team has in Ramirez out in center field.
Mejia is a 24-year-old pitcher who could end up landing the fifth rotation spot over Sam Hentges.
For now he will start in the bullpen.
He stands 6-foot-5 on the mound and made the switch from reliever to starter back in 2018.
So far this year he has a 2.00 ERA in two starts down in Columbus and sports a career 3.84 ERA in the minors.
Mejia is the next logical choice after Hentges if the team wants to keep Cal Quantrill in the bullpen.
Logan Allen is continuing to try to work his way back and Hentges may even get one more shot.
But calling up Mejia, who is a starter, should indicate his opportunity is coming soon.
#Indians minor league leaders (SO/9) 9+ IP
Francisco Perez (Akron) 14.9
Logan T. Allen (Lake County) 13.5
Xzavion Curry (Lynchburg) 12.0
Jaime Arias (Lynchburg) 11.0
Jean Carlos Mejia (Columbus) 10.0
Alex Royalty (Akron) 10.0— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) May 17, 2021
Continually cycling through fifth starters is not exactly fun for fans.
The Indians front office is hoping one sticks and Mejia could end up being a surprise success for the rotation.
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