Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) – Trevor Bauer didn’t disappoint in his second start of the spring on Saturday. The Indians’ ace allowed one run and two hits in four innings. Matt Chapman scored on a wild pitch in the fourth.
Bauer has pitched seven innings, allowing three hits and one run so far this spring. He was mic’d up for his first start. You can watch the video below:
The Indians lost to the Oakland Athletics 1-0 on Saturday, falling to 4-4 in Cactus League play. The Tribe finished with four hits. Mike Papi had the only extra base hit of the day for Cleveland, hitting a double in the ninth inning.
Monday is a Big Day – Manager Terry Francona said the Indians were going to take their time with Hanley Ramirez. The 35-year-old is expected to make his spring training debut on Monday. Ramirez told reporters he was ready to play on Friday, but Tito wanted to give him a few more days to workout.
The three-time All-Star hasn’t played in the big-leagues since last May. Ramirez got off to a great start last season, posting a .341 batting average, hitting three home runs and finishing with a .412 OBP in the month of April.
He slumped in May, finishing with a .163 average, three home runs and a .200 OBP. He was released by Boston on May 24. The Indians hope they can get enough out of Ramirez to plug him into the middle part of the lineup as their designated hitter.
Jake Bauers played in left field on Friday night, which would give the outfield a power bat. Carlos Santana could play first base and Ramirez could add power to the designated hitter spot. That is the dream scenario for the Indians with how this roster is presently constructed. The plan hinges on Bauers’ play in the outfield and how Ramirez fares at the plate.
Here’s Terry Francona discussing Jason Kipnis, who will sprint today and potentially return to the lineup on Monday. Tito adds Hanley Ramirez will play Monday too #Indians pic.twitter.com/YwjafAZDJh
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) March 2, 2019Kipnis’ Return – Jason Kipnis is dealing with a quadriceps injury. Terry Francona says he is expected to return to the lineup on Monday. The 31-year-old is in a contract year and is hoping to bounce back after struggling for the better part of the last two seasons.
The Indians could exercise the team option in Kipnis’ contract for 2020, but that’s extremely unlikely. Kipnis posted a .230/.315/.389 slash line last season.
Up Next – The Indians play Kansas City Sunday at 3:05.
