Cleveland Indians: Bobby Bradley finally getting a chance

The Cleveland Indians lineup has not exactly been the most formidable collection this season. Only three players on the roster have an OPS+ over 100, and two of those – Jordan Luplow and Franmil Reyes – are on the Injured List. It is not a surprise that many positions in the lineup have disappointed this season.

Cleveland began to address some of those issues on Saturday. As part of a series of moves, Jake Bauers was designated for assignment with Bobby Bradley being called up to take his place.

Cleveland Indians finally giving Bobby Bradley a chance

This is not Bradley’s first look at the major league level. He had a 49 plate appearance trial in 2019, when he produced a .178/.245/.356 batting line. He had five doubles and a homer, but also struck out 20 times while drawing four walks.

That performance was essentially the personification of Bradley’s scouting report. He has tremendous raw power and the ability to draw a walk, but there are questions as to whether or not he can make consistent contact against major league caliber pitching. His brief stint in 2019 did nothing to assuage those concerns.

His performance at Triple-A this year was of a similar caliber. He had produced a .196/.266/.485 batting line in 109 plate appearances before being recalled, hitting nine homers and striking out 35 times.

But the Indians need production, and they need another power bat in their lineup. Bradley had hit over 20 homers from 2016 through 2019 in the minors, and was well on his way to another 20+ home run season. As long as he can make enough contact and have that same power in the majors, that will be more than the Indians have received from the position thus far.

The Cleveland Indians are bringing Bobby Bradley back to the majors. If he can provide some power in the lineup, he may be back to stay.