Cleveland Indians Activate Asdrubal Cabrera, Designate John McDonald
By Aaron Somers
Asdrubal Cabrera has been activated from the DL by the Cleveland Indians and will be in the team’s lineup tonight. (Image Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
Asdrubal Cabrera was activated from the disabled list by the Cleveland Indians early Wednesday afternoon. The team designated John McDonald for assignment in order to make room on the active roster.
Running out a ground ball on June 3rd, Cabrera strained his right quadriceps and has been sidelined ever since. He’s had an off year at the plate, struggling to a .254/.311/.434 line in 224 PA – hitting about 20 points lower than his career mark or the numbers he’s posted over the past few seasons. His power production hasn’t been impacted much, but he’s demonstrated less patience at the plate (just 14 walks on the year thus far) which has further magnified some of his struggles. Defensively Cabrera is still strong, but part of his value has always been tied into his offensive abilities.
Speculation had already existed that the Indians could look to move Cabrera before this summer’s trade deadline, but much of that talk quieted down once he landed on the DL. It remains to be seen if rumblings will pick up once again now that he appears to be healthy, but it’s even more uncertain whether or not the team will be willing to make a move. He’s still under team control through next season but his salary will jump to $10 Million for 2014. He could still be attractive to other teams in need of an upgrade at shortstop.
McDonald’s tenure in Cleveland didn’t last long. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 10 for a player to be named later or cash considerations, McDonald appeared in just 8 games for the Indians and went hitless in 8 PA. He’s hit a combined .053/.163/.079 in 43 PA on the year, but offense has never been his calling card. McDonald, now 38, has made a career out of being a defensive specialist but that career may be rapidly coming to an end. The Indians are apparently hoping that he’ll accept an assignment to the minor leagues in case he’s needed later in the year as depth but that remains to be seen.