N&N: Leonys Martin understands importance of batting ninth for the Indians

Here’s to a great week!

Tribe News

The good guys squeaked out a 4-3 victory Sunday over the Angels. Jose Ramirez went deep again, a three-run bomb in the first inning, and it looked like a rout could be on. Nope. The offense went cold and while Shane Bieber was solid enough, the Indians needed a lights-out Cody Allen appearance to keep this one from getting away.

Terry Francona spoke highly of possibly-maybe not-stepping-down manager Mike Scioscia and learned that Tyler Naquin (recovering from hip surgery) is in the same room as the skipper was at the Cleveland Clinic.

Leonys Martin is adjusting to batting 9th and has three hits in nine at-bats (two homers!) so far for the Indians. From Jordan Bastian:

After spending most of this season as a leadoff hitter for the Tigers, newly acquired center fielder Leonys Martin is being asked to bat out of the No. 9 hole for the Indians. When manager Terry Francona met with Martin upon his arrival, he explained that this was not a demotion, but an opportunity.

In Cleveland’s lineup, the hitter in the ninth spot in the lineup can serve as a tablesetter for one of the best one-through-three combinations in the Majors right now. If Martin can get on base, collect some steals or connect on some extra-base hits, that creates more run-scoring chances for Francisco Lindor, Michael Brantley and Jose Ramirez.

Around the League

• It looks like reliever Greg Holland is signing with the Nationals
• Umpire Angel Hernandez keeps making friends and great calls
• Astros welcome Roberto Osuna and integrity questions continue