NEOSI Indians Spring Training Roundup– Friday March 16

The Indians took on the Oakland Athletics today in Arizona and were defeated 7-3. Carlos Carrasco started Friday’s game against the Athletics and pitched in 4 innings, gave up 3 hits, allowed 2 earned runs, walked 2, and struck out 4 batters.

Bradley Zimmer started off the game by hitting a leadoff homer, something that seems to be a trend for the Tribe’s leadoff hitters this spring.

Today the Indians starting lineup looked a bit different, Giovanny Urshela started today’s game at first base and Yandy Diaz took over at third base.

Today's Tribe 9:

Zimmer CF
Naquin LF
Chisenhall RF
Napoli DH
Perez C
Diaz 3B
Urshela 1B
Stamets 2B
Gonzalez SS
…………………
Scheduled to pitch:

Carrasco
Ogando
Torres
Ramirez
Belisle

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 16, 2018

This weekend the club is expected to travel to Los Vegas to face the Chicago Cubs in spring training action but Yan Gomes is not expected to make the trip according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

Indians manager Terry Francona commented on Gomes not making the trip:

“His arm’s a little sore. It’s nothing. We don’t want him to have to carry this into the season. He’ll be OK.”

Roberto Perez will not be making the trip either which gives catching prospect Eric Haase an opportunity this weekend. Haase commented on the opportunity:

“I’m looking forward to it. However much time left I have up here, I’m going to take advantage of it. So, whether I was staying back or going up there, I think it’s a good thing.”

Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com wrote a piece that states when Danny Salazar rejoins Cleveland Indians, the bullpen probably isn’t an option.

Francona also commented on if he thinks Salazar going to the bullpen would be smart for the team:

“It’s a good question. It’s a good idea. It’s certainly something we could visit if we need to. I don’t know if cautious is the right word, but if the same things that maybe have entered into him not making 30 starts (should happen) in the bullpen…On a routine, I think Danny would be great. I don’t know if you can have a routine when the season starts. If you told him we’re going to pitch you Monday Thursday and Sunday. He might just be lights out. I don’t know how you can do that during the season.”

Francona spoke on if there is a target date yet for Michael Brantley to return to Cactus League Games:

“No. He is going to do defensive work today and take balls off the bat. He is doing really well. I haven’t even asked, he is doing so well and I know he is chomping at the bit. I don’t want to put more pressure on the medical staff. I know Brant is pushing because he feels so good.”

The Indians manager also commented on Brandon Guyer:

“He is actually doing pretty well. He is graduating to full fledge batting practice. Soft toss, overhand toss, side toss, in the cage, and he is going to start taking regular batting practice. He has to play some though because he has been down, once we get him healthy we need to give him some at-bats.”

Lastly, Francona commented on what he thinks of Tyler Naquin so far:

“I thought he’s had a really good camp. Naquin never backs off of competition, and you like that in a guy. When he sees something he tries to go get it and we really respect that a lot.”

On Saturday, Brad Mills will be managing one squad in Arizona against the Cubs and Trevor Bauer will make the start, that game will start at 4:05 pm EST. Francona will be taking a second squad to Nevada to face the Cubs also and Ryan Merritt will start, that game will be at 7:05 pm EST.