Cleveland Indians: Offensive Help ‘Hopefully’ on the Way Soon

Tribe in need of some offensive support

It’s been a rough start offensively for the Cleveland Indians. Early struggles, as well as injuries, have hurt the offense, wasting good outings from their starting pitching. But there is news that help may be on the way, and no, it’s not

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Nick Swisher and Zach Walters are expected to begin rehab assignments this week. Walters on Wednesday, still no announcement on Swisher’s start. Walters is expected to be a “jack of all trades” while Swisher is expected to see most of his action in the outfield, instead of bouncing from there, to DH to first base.

This team is in dire need of offensive help. They are currently next to last in runs scored in the American League, last in home runs and 12th in batting average. The season is still young, but injuries and a constant shuffling of the roster have left them with no continuity at the plate.

But neither is expected to be ready in the next few weeks, and there are clear holes on offense. Some may clear themselves up, as it has been a matter of “if it can go wrong, it has”. But should they consider calling up some of the young talent yet? Both Chicago teams have decided now is the time. The Cubs recently called up Kris Bryant, and now Addison Russell will join the team today. For all the flack the Cubs took on Bryant’s service time–both had Super Two status ignored, which could gain both an early year of arbitration.

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The White Sox called up the heralded Carlos Rodon, just in time to face the Indians. While he’ll start in the bullpen, many believe he could be a top of the rotation starter in the very near future. So should the Tribe consider Tyler Naquin? Lindor? Someone to spark the offense and give it a much-needed jolt while they await the return of Yan Gomes and Swisher and Walters to return?

It’s a difficult subject to gauge, but with the Tigers and Royals off to hot starts the Indians might not be able to wait. While you don’t win the division in the first two months of the season, you can definitely lose it.

This roster will continue to be in flux for the next few weeks until players return from injury, and Terry Francona can find guys that produce. But right now, finding offense is priority one.

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