Cleveland Indians activate Tyler Naquin from disabled list

The Cleveland Indians have activated outfielder Tyler Naquin from the disabled list and placed first baseman Yonder Alonso on the Family Medical Emergency List.

The Cleveland Indians have announced that they have activated outfielder Tyler Naquin from the 10-day disabled list prior to tonight’s game against the Minnesota Twins.

Naquin had been on the disabled list since May 12 with a strained hamstring. To make room for Naquin, the Indians have also placed first baseman Yonder Alonso on the Family Medical Emergency List.

Naquin rejoins the Indians after a hot start to the season. In 30 games, Naquin hit .333 with two home runs, a .820 OPS and 123 wRC+. Additionally, he 11 RBI and had a 0.9 rWAR, which is fifth among Tribe position players. Not too shabby for a guy who only has 79 plate appearances.

Naquin in center field is an interesting development as well. He had not played center field this year for the big league club after being the primary center fielder in 2016. He did, however, play there on his rehab assignment with the Columbus Clippers.

Naquin struggled in center field in 2016, posting a -17 DRS (defensive runs saved). He was better in limited time in 2017, though, posting a +3 DRS, so how he plays this year will be something to watch.

The addition of Naquin means the Indians currently have six outfielders on the big league roster: Tyler Naquin, Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall, Brandon Guyer, Rajai Davis and Greg Allen.

By putting Alonso on the Family Medical Emergency List the Indians have bought themselves a couple of days to make a decision but one of those six is certainly going to be removed once Alonso is back. Chisenhall has taken some grounders at third base before games but that’s likely more as a backup situation for the next couple days.

Who gets sent down remains to be seen (likely one of Davis/Allen), but for the time being manager Terry Francona will have lots of options in the outfield. Naquin could platoon in center field versus right-handed pitching with either Allen or Davis in versus southpaws.

Next: Previewing the upcoming Indians vs. Twins series

Naquin will certainly look to prove that his hot start was no mirage and that 2017 was more the outlier offensively than 2016.