Call to the pen
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Cleveland Indians: Five replacements for Marlon Byrd

By Jason Evans

May 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Marlon Byrd (6) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning in game one of a MLB baseball doubleheader at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Marlon Byrd (6) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning in game one of a MLB baseball doubleheader at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Marlon Byrd (6) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Now that Marlon Byrd is suspended for the rest of the season, who can the Cleveland Indians get to replace him?

Cleveland is more focused on the Cavaliers right now as they get set to try and win the city’s first title since the 1950s (#believeland). Their baseball team took a hit yesterday as veteran outfielder Marlon Byrd was suspended for the next 162 games for failing his second test for PEDs.

Byrd was a little over replacement level for the Tribe so far this season. He was hitting .270/.326/.452 with five homers and 19 RBI in 34 games.

Right now, the Indians outfield consists of Rajai Davis, Jose Ramirez and Lonnie Chisenhall, the latter two being former infielders. Michael Brantley probably isn’t walking through that door anytime soon.

The AL Central right now is up for grabs. Everyone but the Twins are right there and it may be whoever makes that big addition will be the team to take the division and make the playoffs.

The Indians aren’t usually super aggressive in terms of dealing prospects for rentals. They want to try and hang on to their stable and hopefully use them for the roster instead of as chips. For example, they got Brandon Moss before last season, but then flipped him before the deadline once the team wasn’t in contention.

So where do the Indians go? Who can they get to replace Byrd and help improve their outfield production? Here are some options they just may consider.

Next: The most likely option

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