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Cleveland Indians: Filling out the 2018 Opening Day Roster

By Michael Francis

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 2, 2016: Centerfielder Rajai Davis
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 2, 2016: Centerfielder Rajai Davis /
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GOODYEAR, AZ – FEBRUARY 21: Melvin Upton Jr. of the Cleveland Indians poses for a portrait at the Cleveland Indians Player Development Complex on February 21, 2018 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images) /

Melvin Upton Jr.

Melvin Upton Jr. ought to be in line for some starting playing time early in the season while Michael Brantley and Brandon Guyer are on the shelf. Upton provides a much-needed right-handed bat to this lefty-heavy Indians lineup. He could also provide a little bit of speed to the bottom of the lineup.

At this stage in his career, Upton is a below average hitter that strikes out too much, but he still walks and has some power. Upton’s carrying tools at this point is his plus speed and above average defense in left field. Perhaps most importantly, Upton has had great success against left-handers for much of his career.

He has a career 109 wRC+ against southpaws and has been even better against them the past couple of years. As long as Upton provides some speed, defense and offense against left-handers he should prove to be a valuable commodity for the Indians at least until Guyer and Brantley are healthy.

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