Cleveland Indians Add Michael Martinez, Avoid Sweep

Cleveland Indians Add Michael Martinez…Again

The Cleveland Indians re-acquired utility man Michael Martinez yesterday, claiming him off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. Martinez returns to the Tribe after spending the first part of the season with the organization (and 2015). To make room for him on the 40-man roster the Indians designated left-handed pitcher Tyler Olson for assignment.

The move may seem odd considering Martinez isn’t much of a hitter, but the Indians have been hinting that they’d prefer a veteran utility man on the bench, something they are without now that Juan Uribe has been designated for assignment. Erik Gonzalez is highly thought of by the organization but a rookie who they may want to see him get more everyday at-bats in Triple-A versus playing once a week.

Martinez played pretty well in his first stint with the Tribe this year as well. In 32 games, he hit .283 with playing some solid defense at several positions. He posted positive defensive runs saved (DRS) at second base, center field, and right field while also playing a solid third base. He’ll give Francona some versatility on the bench similar to what Gonzalez provided but with more experience.

Gonzalez (who has not officially been optioned to Triple-A) only appeared in 10 games with just 10 plate appearances. He was mostly used late in games as a replacement. He recorded just one hit and a walk while playing four positions: third base, second base, shortstop, and right field.

Indians Avoid Sweep

The Tribe was able to avoid a sweep at the hands of the lowly Minnesota Twins yesterday afternoon as well, winning 9-2 behind a solid outing by rookie Mike Clevinger and some blasts from the offense. Clevinger was making his first start since replacing the injured Danny Salazar and looked better though did not record his first big league win as he only went 4 1/3 innings.

The Tribe offense provided some fireworks, mashing four home runs on the day with one each by Jason Kipnis (18th of year), Carlos Santana (24th), Francisco Lindor (13th), and Jose Ramirez (6th). Everyone in the starting lineup got at least one hit except for catcher Roberto Perez, who did reach base thanks to yet another walk. He still is batting just .056 on the season though has walked in over 22 percent of his plate appearances.

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Perhaps the most interesting part of yesterday’s game was when manager Terry Francona brought in newly acquired reliever Andrew Miller into the game with two outs in the 6th inning. At the time the Indians lead was only 4-2 so the outcome was far from decided. Miller replaced Dan Otero who picked up his third win of the season. Miller remained in the game for the 7th inning where he struck out lefties Joe Mauer and Max Kepler, who was a thorn in the Tribe’s side all series. The decision to use Miller there versus the 8th or 9th innings shows that Tito will use Miller in spots he feels are the biggest of the game rather than saving him for the end.