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The Cleveland Indians have announced that Tyler Naquin, who was previously told to “hold tight,” has made the team’s Opening Day roster. Additionally, fellow outfielder Michael Brantley will start the season on the 10-day disabled list with
*spins comically large Wheel O’ Michael Brantley Injuries*
an ankle injury.
Brantley has been progressive well through spring training, including hitting a home run in his first at-bat since ankle surgery last October. Manager Terry Francona denies any kind of setback for Brantley, only that he isn’t ready for a “full load” of baseball work.
Francona: Brantley will open on DL. No setback. Indians just don’t feel he’s ready for “full load.” That means Naquin is on the OD roster.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 25, 2018
This opens the door for Tyler Naquin, who was on the verge of being the odd man out in the outfielder musical chairs. Naquin, 26, has two options left which makes him an easy candidate to be sent down when Brantley returns.
The big decisions remaining now for the Indians are what to do with Brandon Guyer and his ailing wrist, and whether or not Rob Refsnyder will make the Opening Day roster.