The Cleveland Indians have announced that outfielder, Leonys Martin, will miss the rest of the season as he continues to recover from a life-threatening bacterial infection. How will the Tribe replace their center fielder?
The Cleveland Indians officially announced that Leonys Martin will not return to the field in 2018 as he continues to recover from a life-threatening bacterial infection. While the Indians are in need of outfield depth, especially with Rajai Davis hitting the disabled list on Wednesday, this news is welcomed from teammates and fans from around the baseball world.
Via MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, doctors advised Martin to focus on a return to full health, rather than worrying about getting back on the diamond.
Indians’ Manager, Terry Francona, reported (Cleveland.com) said that Martin wanted to return to Tribe’s lineup.
“He wanted to play,” said Francona, “but I think the doctors just thought with what happened he needs some time to let his body heal and we fully support that.”
A return certainly would have been groundbreaking as Martin’s infection entered his bloodstream, created toxins and attacked his internal organs. While his desire to return is admirable, things like health and personal well being go beyond baseball.
Leonys Martin was acquired on July 31 from the Detriot Tigers prior to the non-waiver trade deadline. The lefty was only able to appear in six games for the Indians, but he made his mark by going 5-15 with two home runs and four RBI.
On the season, Martin hit 11 home runs, drove in 33 RBIs and slashed .255/.323/.747. We will likely see Leonys Martin in an Indians’ uniform in 2019 as he is still arbitration eligible, but his illness leaves the Indians with the need for a quality outfielder.
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Speedy youngster, Greg Allen, has been the Indians’ everyday centerfielder as of late, but the team is still looking to upgrade through the August trade market. San Fransisco Giants outfielder, Andrew McCutchen, seems like a likely replacement as the Giants continue to drift further and further away from contention. The New York Yankees are also a logical landing spot for McCutchen, but the Indians seem to be the best fit.
Other trade options include Adam Jones, who cleared waivers but is unlikely to be moved, Curtis Granderson and Derek Dietrich. While these moves may not be the options in regards to finding a center fielder, the Indians outfield depth is thin and they should focus on acquiring a quality bat.
Derek Dietrich is an underrated option who is not generating much buzz. The Marlins utilityman is versatile as he is able to play second and third base as well as the corner outfield spots. He has also proven that he can be a solid hitter. In 2018, Dietrich has hit 15 home runs, driven in 40 RBIs and is slashing, 270/.332/.433 with an OPS+ of 115.
Other internal options include Jason Kipnis, who appeared in center field in 2017 and Brandon Guyer, who has struggled to be a respectable hitter. The Cleveland Indians have already lost outfielders Bradley Zimmer, Tyler Naquin, and Lonnie Chisenhall to injuries, it will be interesting to see how the Tribe plans to fill the void left by Martin and Davis down the home stretch of the season.