Cleveland Indians: Return of Lindor is a sign of good things to come
Starting the season with one of the worst offenses in the league, the Cleveland Indians were in need of some help. Now, their all-star shortstop is back.
After Francisco Lindor injured himself during spring training, there was not a ton of panic around the Cleveland Indians‘ organization.
Despite being one of the team’s best hitters and defenders, the Indians still had a strong rotation and bats that could help pick up the slack.
That didn’t happen.
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One of the guys tasked with helping to pick up the slack – Hanley Ramirez – has been designated for assignment to make room for Lindor.
In 49 at-bats, he hit .184 with a .625 OPS, one double, two home runs, eight RBI and 17 strikeouts. In Ramirez’s defense, he was one of many Indians who was sitting below the Mendoza line for a majority of the month.
In fact, Lindor’s field mate and two-time all-star Jose Ramirez is currently hitting .145 in 69 at-bats; not helping to pick up the gap in offense left by Lindor.
But that gap is now closed. The lineup will now be more protected with Lindor back in the top part of the order.
Lindor coming back to the lineup is the best thing to happen for the Indians this season. He is the electricity that keeps the team fully charged for every game.
Lindor may also be more than ready for his first start. In just a three-game rehab assignment, he tallied two home runs, two RBI and a double while slashing .417/.462/1.000.
Last year for the Indians, Lindor was dubbed one of, if not the best, a shortstop in the big leagues. He won his second silver slugger after hitting 38 home runs and 92 RBI and was in the final three for gold glove at shortstop in the American League.
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The timing of his return could not be better and the Cleveland Indians are ready to re-establish their ability to hit the ball once again.