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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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Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Naquin

The Indians brought back Naquin to the roster after the suspension of Byrd. It was the logical choice and probably the safest and best move over Collin Cowgill, Michael Martinez and Joey Butler.

Naquin was the Indians’ first round pick back in 2012. Naquin just turned 25 and hit .317 in 27 games with the big club earlier this season.

Naquin doesn’t have a lot of pop. He hit just one homer last season in AA, but he had an average of .348. Once he moved up to AAA,  he hit six in 50 games, but saw his average drop into the .280s. He was hitting .286 in his AAA stint this year.

If the Indians are going to want a contact guy at the bottom of their order, then Naquin may be the way to go. They don’t need to trade anyone for him. He’s already on the 40-man roster and right there for him to be used.

Naquin is a center fielder and his defense can give the Indians a chance to move Davis to left.

Next: The veteran slugger

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