Cleveland Sports Forum

Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic Cincinnati reports that the Reds have hired former Red Sox manager John Farrell as a scout.

Just heard that the Twinkies Shortstop, Polanco, has been suspended for 80 games for 'roids. Perhaps a landing spot for Gonzales or Urshela?

Any word on Ramirez injury?

Supposed to be back today

Thanks, TFIR.

Yandy Diaz - 3B - Indians

Indians optioned INF Yandy Diaz, C Eric Haase, and INF Eric Stamets to Triple-A Columbus; reassigned OF Brandon Barnes, RHP Preston Claiborne, RHP Stephen Fife, RHP Cam Hill, RHP Neil Ramirez, and INF Richie Shaffer to minor league camp.

Diaz went 14-for-34 (.412) with 10 RBI in 18 games this spring in the Cactus League, but there's no spot for him in the majors at the moment. The 26-year-old will get a little more seasoning in the minor leagues and could be the Indians' first call-up if there's an injury to one of their infielders. He posted a stellar .350/.454/.460 batting line in 374 plate appearances last season at Triple-A. Indians camp is down to 39 players.

Brantley is in starting lineup for tonights game!

Batting 5th out of LF.

So Brantley launches a deep homer to RF in his first spring training at bat. Like riding a bike...

I saw a homer he hit in a minor league game yesterday too. That swing is always ready.

People don’t realize Brantley is the son of an ex hitting coach. How many kids are raised with that kind of teaching?

That swing and his approach just never break down.

Lindor, EE, and Alonso also homered. I think the guys are all ready.

I've been following minor league box scores and gotta say they look ready too. Bieber pitched 4 scoreless the other day. Civale just pitched 4.2 and only allowed an unearned run. I don't think either of them allowed a hit or walk either. Yandy went 2-3 with homer yesterday. Bradley and Castro have been hitting. Not even mentioning Mejia or McKenzie.

A lot to be positive about right now.

Partying in Montana:

Indians released 1B Mike Napoli.

The veteran first baseman will reportedly be welcomed back on a minor league contract if he can't find a major league opportunity elsewhere. Napoli still has a good amount of pop, but he batted just .193/.285/.428 last season for the Rangers and he was slashing .218/.310/.431 this spring in the Cactus League.

Indians are bending over backwards to give Napoli a shot at a major league job. Releasing him gives him a chance to be picked up in the next 2 weeks. They gave him a place to showcase himself the past 4 weeks.

If not, he can be the Jason Giambi of Columbus.

Bradley Zimmer scored on a sac fly from 2nd base tonight...

I'm still trying to digest that this guy is #3 statcast speediest guy in MLB.

Behind Billy Hamilton and Buxton no less. If he can hit 20 homers and steal 30 and cover ground in CF....it's certainly not out of the question.

And that surely is what Tito/Chernoff/Antonetti is thinking.

Michael Brantley (ankle) will begin the year on the 10-day disabled list.

Brantley was able to return to Cactus League games, but manager Terry Francona told reporters that they don't feel he's ready for the work load. Tyler Naquin will instead make the initial 25-man roster. Expect to see Brantley in the everyday lineup for the Indians by the middle of April, assuming there are no setbacks in his rehabilitation.