Carlos Gonzalez batted cleanup for the Indians on Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, he was out of a job.
Cleveland has designated the veteran outfielder for assignment, with Terry Francona saying the team needs to give playing time to younger players going forward.
System-wide roster moves this morning
— Tribeinsider (@tribeinsider) May 22, 2019
+C Eric Haase recalled from @CLBClippers
+OF Carlos González designated for assignment
+C Dioner Navarro active in Columbus
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“It was so hard because we loved the way he carried himself," Francona told reporters, via MLB.com. "But I feel like we’re also at a point where we need to find out about some of these younger guys and if we don’t find out that could be a mistake.”
Gonzalez, 33, signed a minor-league deal with Cleveland this spring after spending the last 10 years with Colorado, where he was an All-Star selection three times. His playing time has fluctuated as the Indians have tried to keep pace with the first-place Twins in the AL Central, and he hasn't been much of a contributor at the plate, with an OPS of just .558.
Taking Gonzalez out of the outfield/designated hitter mix will allow the Indians to give more at-bats to the likes of Greg Allen, Jordan Luplow and Tyler Naquin (who should be coming off the injured list soon).
The move comes about a month after the Indians cut loose fellow veteran Hanley Ramirez, who provided limited production in 16 games before getting the ax.
The Indians added catcher Eric Haase to replace Gonzalez on the roster. Roberto Perez left Tuesday's game with a concussion, but Francona told reporters Wednesday the catcher came through tests well and is not expected to be placed on the injured list.
