Indians Make Roster Moves; Naquin Told He Will Make Opening Day Roster

The Indians appear closer to having their roster in place with now 10 days to go before opening day, and one decision made today appears
to answer a big question for the club.

That question is – ‘who will start the season in center field.’

The answer sounds like it’s going to be Tyler Naquin, as today on the Indians official Facebook page, they posted the following tidbit of news:

News from AZ: Tyler Naquin has been informed by Terry Francona and staff that he has made the Opening Day roster.

Welcome to The Show, kid!

The news about Naquin isn’t much of a shock at this point, as this spring he’s been hitting the ball as anyone in camp. In 14 games thus far he’s hitting .447, with two homers and four RBI.

With Naquin making the roster and hopefully playing well, it also puts at ease the rush on the team to hurry back Michael Brantley from him off season surgery.

Brantley took a few days off this week after playing in two Cactus League games. In his only hit in those two games, he hit a homer on Saturday.

The other two roster moves by the team announced today, the team optioned Jesus Aguilar to AAA Columbus, and informed lefty pitcher Joe Thatcher that he won’t be making the club’s opening day roster.

Aguilar hit just .162 this spring in 21 games, while Thatcher was 0-0 with a 1.35 ERA in seven games this spring.