Cleveland Indians: Francisco Lindor Off to Slow Start in Columbus, But Not Concerned

Lindor unfazed by his slow start

The Cleveland Indians are looking for someone to spark their stagnate offense, but if you’re looking to Triple-A for someone, top prospect

probably isn’t the one. After a solid spring in which he batted .297 with two home runs while knocking in five, the 21-year-old is off to a rough start in Columbus.

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The No. 4 overall prospect in baseball is batting only .212 in the Clippers first 10 games. It’s a very small sample size to draw any conclusions from, as he hit .273 in 38-games with the Clippers late last season. So is it just an early season slump? Lindor doesn’t even think it’s that.

"“I feel I’m not in a slump because I’m having good at-bats,” said Lindor, who has as many walks (five) as strikeouts. “I’m working counts and I’m putting the bat on the ball. “When I’m in a slump, I’m striking out a lot. If I’m not having good at-bats, that’s when I’m in a slump.” h/t John Wagner, MiLB.com"

While the Indians offense continues to be dreadful (last in the AL in runs scored), there is no rush to get Lindor to Cleveland. Even with Jose Ramirez struggling at the plate (.179/.220/.282), he’s by no means alone. While they continue to search for the right lineup mix, moves will need to be made, but Lindor is unlikely to be soon.

The goal for Lindor in Columbus has simply been to keep doing what he’s doing. They feel he’s solid overall, and just want to round out his game.

"“He’s trying to fine-tune his all-around skills,” Tremie said. “He has the ability to bunt and run, he can steal bases and he’s got some power.”On the offensive side, we want him to continue to refine his approach. And defensively, he’s continuing to work on his backhand play, and he’s getting better at that as well.”"

I think you can expect to see Lindor very soon. If the Indians don’t get the bats going? Even sooner.

Next: Indians Hope to Have Offensive Help Soon