Cleveland Indians: Infield realignment necessary in Game 5

The Cleveland Indians are heading into a decisive Game 5 in the American League Divisional Series. The errors in Game 4 led to six of the seven Yankees runs to be unearned.

The Cleveland Indians have to discuss the third base position after Giovanny Urshela had one of his worst games of the season making two errors that cost the Indians huge in the Game 4 loss.

The youngster made the roster along with Erik Gonzalez over fellow young player Yandy Diaz. The move left Jason Kipnis to play the center field position in October due to Michael Brantley‘s health.

In Game 1 that looked like a good move as Kipnis made a big play in the outfield. He had a diving catch to rob a hit that really set the tone defensively.

All of that has gone to the back of Tribe fans’ minds as Urshela nearly single-handedly cost the Indians five runs in the first three innings of Game 4.

Because of Urshela’s defensive miscues, the team found themselves in a hole they could not climb out of. This will need to change in Game 5 because it is the last chance for the Indians to close out the series.

When leaving off Yandy Diaz, Cleveland limited its options. The injury to Edwin Encarnacion further complicates matters.

The Indians do have Jason Kipnis, who you may have seen play second base a time or two. If the Indians want the best chance to win, they will move Kipnis back to second and Jose Ramirez to third base.

Urshela has brought this on himself because of his defensive miscues. Also, Urshela has not stuck out with the bat enough to overlook his poor night.

The ideal situation will be Encarnacion being able to go. That will open the option of Kipnis to second and Ramirez to third.

After moving those two back to their respective positions, the Indians can then use an outfield of Austin Jackson, Lonnie Chisenhall and Jay Bruce. Michael Brantley is getting healthy but it is possible he is not ready to retake his left field spot.

The Indians do not have another true right-handed hitting outfielder aside from Jackson. Greg Allen is a switch hitter but he will not start a game as big as this Game 5.

Having Brantley as a pinch-hit option off the bench would be beneficial. With the left-handed CC Sabathia on the mound, Jackson will take one of the outfield spots.

If Brantley can go, the team can start him in left field with Bruce in right. Yan Gomes will likely catch as he is Kluber’s normal catcher when healthy.

A Triple-A player most of the season, Urshela does not have the experience the guys listed above have in October. He has a plentiful amount of potential but potential is not what teams are looking for in the midst of a playoff run.

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I look for Terry Francona to make this adjustment in Game 5. It will save the youngster from putting more pressure on himself than needed. It will also give the Indians the best chance to win and advance to their second straight American League Championship Series.