Cleveland Indians: Injuries limited Lonnie Chisenhall’s potential in 2017

Lonnie Chisenhall put up some solid numbers for the Cleveland Indians in 2017, but may have been a much bigger asset if not for several injuries.

Cleveland Indians fans saw Lonnie Chisenhall put up some nice numbers in 2017. The problem was he only appeared in 82 games.

Chisenhall missed time in every single month of the season due to several setbacks, but still managed to slash .288/.360/.521 in 236 at-bats. He was unfortunately one of several Indians who was brought back for the postseason right off an injury, and was never able to get much of anything going in the ALDS.

The veteran figures to receive a major role as a starting outfielder in 2018, but his health remains a question. His career-high in games played is 142, which came back in 2014. To be fair, the platoon system used by Terry Francona also has an impact on Chisenhall’s usage.

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Chisenhall’s slash line would have been near the top of the list for the entire team if he had played an entire season, so fans are hoping he can keep it up in 2018.

His career marks are .266/.316/.426, so gradual improvement would be nice yet again.

The likely departure of Jay Bruce, (has anyone heard from him?), means Chisenhall is the starting right fielder to start the season.

He may be in a platoon role with Brandon Guyer, but it all depends on whether Michael Brantley will be healthy enough to be the everyday starter in left.

But what we do know is that no matter the position, we should see a lot of Lonnie this season if he stays healthy.

Chisenhall has been with the Indians since 2011 but has never had a season that has blown fans away. 2017 had the potential to be that year, but maybe his improved numbers mean a healthy year in 2018 will be his breakout season. Just in time for a potential year of free agency in 2019.

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Lonnie has always been a consistent figure in the lineup, but it is about time he takes the next step and puts up All-Star numbers. I certainly believe he is capable of doing just that in 2018.