The Cleveland Indians begin a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox Monday night and are taking on Dallas Keuchel in game one.
That means Terry Francona will want to stack his lineup with right-handed batters.
He is doing just that, which means Amed Rosario is in at shortstop.
This is the first time in franchise history where we have two players with the last name of Rosario batting back-to-back, probably.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/JniENi1jyz
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 12, 2021
This remains a notable decision given the fact Andres Gimenez, who bats left-handed, appeared to win the job in spring training.
Amed Rosario Getting Time at Two Positions
Rosario seemed to be the odd man out at shortstop and in the outfield.
The Indians moved him to center field and he struggled in his March debut.
But he was out there this past weekend and looked just fine.
The Indians have played eight games so far and Rosario has appeared in seven of those.
He is not clearly outshining Gimenez at the plate, but it appears Francona is still easing his youngest shortstop into action.
Rosario being dynamic bodes well for his own chances of sticking in Cleveland after trade rumors swirled around him this past offseason.
Solid defense from Rosario in center field could drastically change the team’s plans surrounding the position and how guys like Oscar Mercado and Bradley Zimmer fit into the equation.
There is no need to change something that is working.
Rosario Adds New Dynamic to Center Field
The Indians opened the year going with Jordan Luplow and Ben Gamel in a center field platoon.
Now Rosario is breaking that trend and that could mean Gamel won’t last long in Cleveland.
The only way to change that is for him to really get it going at the plate and fast.
The Indians have a surplus of talent at shortstop after trading away Francisco Lindor.
Rosario and Gimenez are here now, while Tyler Freeman and Gabriel Arias are two prospects waiting in the wings.
That explains why the team is giving Rosario time at a new position.
He came over in a blockbuster deal so they may as well see what he can do instead of flipping him in yet another trade.
Notes From Monday’s Lineup
Triston McKenzie, Filthy 79mph Curveball…and Sword. ⚔️@H2PKSK pic.twitter.com/Eik0v9K2lx
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 5, 2021
The platoons continue on as Yu Chang is in at first base over Jake Bauers.
Bauers winning the job only to not be an everyday player is a bit concerning for his future in town.
But the goal is to win and Francona is trying to maximize results for an offense that seems to be waking up from an early slumber.
Monday will also see Triston McKenzie make his first start in 2021 after showing up in relief during last week’s home opener.
He has high expectations to live up to given how the other four starters have done so far through eight games.
A win over the White Sox would hopefully quiet those who can’t stop complaining about the Indians taking down lesser competition to begin the year.
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