Cleveland Indians have attempted to fill holes on roster

The Cleveland Indians have questions on the roster, but at least they have been looking to address these problems.

As the 2019 campaign has continued along, it has become obvious that the Cleveland Indians have several problems. Heading into action on Wednesday, they were a disappointing 22-19, four games back in the AL Central. The offense has underperformed, the starting rotation has been hammered by injuries, and the bullpen has been a work in progress. Only the relative mediocrity of their division has kept Cleveland afloat thus far.

This is certainly something that the front office recognizes. While they may have not done much in the offseason to address those very same concerns, the Indians have attempted to do so since the regular season began.

Those moves began with their courtship of Gio Gonzalez when he was released by the Yankees. Mike Clevenger had been placed on the Injured List just two weeks prior, leaving a hole in the rotation. Ultimately, Gonzalez returned to Milwaukee, and has picked up where he left off in September.

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The aim to improve the roster with potential low cost veterans did not end there. Cleveland has also reportedly considered Matt Kemp as an option to try to solidify the outfield. An All Star in 2018, Kemp was off to a slow start for the Reds prior to being placed on the Injured List with a broken rib before being subsequently released.

Cleveland has attempted to patch the outfield together seemingly all season. Carlos Gonzalez was signed to a minor league contract, and is currently in the majors. Prospect Oscar Mercado made his major league debut on Tuesday, and was 0-3 with three strikeouts and was hit by a pitch. It is one game, but there are questions as to whether or not he is ready.

Of course, there is the question of how much Kemp could even offer. The Indians were reportedly the only team to show interest in the Reds castoff, showing that few believe that he will be a viable option. Yet, at a league minimum salary, he could be worth the gamble for Cleveland.

The Cleveland Indians are aware that they need help to compete this year. Although they have not had success, they are working towards fixing those roster holes.