The Cleveland Indians are holding on tight to a second-place spot in the American League Central but their journey just got a whole lot tougher with designated hitter Franmil Reyes headed to the 10-day injured list.
Owen Miller is getting the call up to the big leagues. Franmil Reyes is heading to the IL and to make room for Miller on the 40-man, Roberto Pérez will be placed on the 60-day IL.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) May 23, 2021
Cleveland Indians will miss key part of lineup
Before being injured, Franmil Reyes had a 0.9 WAR; good for fifth on the team. Reyes was and is one of the Indians’ best offensive players this year as evidenced by only trailing third basemen Jose Ramirez in OPS+ with 141, compared to Ramirez’s 148. It is no doubt that Reyes was an integral part of the Indians lineup but they will have to find a stop-gap solution until the extent of his injury is determined.
Reyes has already mashed 11 home runs which is more than his 2020 total in fewer plate appearances. Obviously, Reyes was more on pace for his 2019 homerun totals (37) than his 2020 season. It is concerning his injury is in the abdomen area which really assists in generating torque and power for many batters. Further, this injury can linger and easily be reaggravated with a violent swing.
The Indians may have a plan though. They are planning on calling up infielding propsect Owen Miller. Miller was drafted in the third round by the San Diego Padres in 2018 but was subsequently traded to the Cleveland Indians in the Mike Clevinger trade. Miller is rated the number 16 prospect in the organization according to MLB.com.
The 6-foot tall middle infielder has only had 70 plate appearances above the Double-A level but he has obliterated opposing pitching on the Triple-A. level with a slash line of .406/.457/1.067. Miller has average pop and is more of a gap to gap hitter. According to MLB.com, Miller profiles better as a second basemen and has received a Mark Loretta comparison while rising through the minors.