CLEVELAND, Ohio – Tyler Naquin’s injured finger continues to cause trouble for the outfielder. It was enough trouble forcing him out of the lineup on Friday’s opening day for the Cleveland Indians as he deals with discomfort in the area.
Manager Terry Francona said Naquin has a fractured right big toe that has limited him since earlier in the week.
“He can play as tolerated, but last night he wasn’t moving really well,” said Francona.
Naquin fouled his right foot in Monday’s exhibition game against Pittsburgh and missed Tuesday’s in-school game. Blood was drained from his toe Thursday, a process Francona said Naquin compared to childbirth.
“I’m not sure how I would know, but I don’t think it was much fun,” said Francona. “I think it’s okay. He’s a pretty tough kid. “
In response, the Indians shuffled their opening roster, adding outfielder Daniel Johnson and leaving pitcher Zach Plesac in limbo. Plesac is still slated to start Tuesday’s game against the White Sox, but it will take a move on the roster before the game to activate the right-hander.
“Naq might be really good tomorrow, but he might not be,” said Francona. “So we just wanted to protect ourselves as best we could.”
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, right, has Colin Moran (19) of the Pittsburgh Pirates in second place during the fifth inning of a baseball exhibition game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 22, 2020 The Indians won 5-3. (AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar)AP
Masked man: Francisco Lindor says that his passion and energy for baseball will not be hidden even if his characteristic smile is covered by a face mask. The four-time All-Star shortstop arrived at the stadium on Friday as excited as any opening day.
In fact, Lindor decided not to have a coffee before the game, as he didn’t need any additional caffeine.
“I have a lot, a lot of energy,” said Lindor.
One thing Lindor says he’ll miss this season is the buzz created by fans in the stands. The crowd, he said, is a big part of the team’s success on a daily basis.
“I’m sure I will miss him very much,” Lindor said. “Now it’s about bothering the team in the great moments of the game. I’m definitely going to miss the fans. “
Pitcher Mike Clevinger does not expect a mask to prevent Lindor from making sure that his teammates are locked up with every pitch.
“It is strong enough to go beyond the mask,” Clevinger said. “You are going to hear his emotion, his emotion in each play. So that’s a good thing about Frankie. He is a very vocal player. I really like that. It starts me up. “
Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez marks Oscar Mercado trying to stretch a double to a triple in the fifth inning that scored two runs during an in-school game at summer camp at Progressive Field, July 11, 2020 .John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Drop down under: As a rookie last season, Oscar Mercado hit the No. 2 spot in the Francona lineup in 98 of his 115 games. With Francona’s strategy of hitting four exchange hitters at the top of the order, Mercado has slipped to No. 9, a move the manager believes may benefit Mercado and the Indians.
“A guy who can run, I like the idea of having a guy who can change the lineup back to the top of the boys and not obstruct the bases,” said Francona. “It could be like a second starting hitter. I think there is a lot of value in that. ”
Training for the Cleveland Indians during the last day of summer camp at Progressive Field on July 23, 2020, with the opening day signaled in left field while the New York Yankees and the season opener of the Washington Nationals play on the big screen. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
I wish you were Here: Opening day was a clear reminder to players that their loved ones who would normally be in the stands to support them are not allowed in the park due to coronavirus restrictions. But the Indians were unwilling to let family and friends miss the opportunity to wish the players and coaches the best.
Before the first pitch, the club broadcast a two-minute video on the Progressive Field scoreboard that included videos of the players’ wives, girlfriends, children, and even pets. Almost every player and coach in the Cleveland clubhouse made someone appear on the screen to wish them well, including Francona, whose two grandchildren waved him a banner and kissed him.
Even rookie Yu Chang’s wife Ling participated in the act and sent a video from Taitung, Taiwan, which included greetings in English and Chinese.
–
New Indian face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed facial liners for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charities.
More Indian coverage
Civale was determined to finish what started in the 4-1 Indian squad victory
Logan Allen, Scott Moss reassigned to Eastlake and 3 more things we learned on Friday
Are Carrasco, Clevinger ready to roll for the Indians next week? Podcast
Indians sign 2020 draft pick Tanner Burns of Auburn to $ 1.6M deal
Carlos Carrasco goes five innings and Bradley Zimmer home runs – again
Oliver Pérez, Carlos Santana keep rolling and 4 other things about the Indians
Francona’s message to the Class of 2020: ‘Find what your passion is, take it with both hands’
Bradley Zimmer makes it hard to miss
MLB Network to Stream Indians vs. Exhibition Game Pirates on July 18
Yu Chang, Bradley Zimmer continue to puree at summer camp: Podcast
Mike Clevinger wrestles on in-school Wednesday; Bradley Zimmer, Yu Chang home run
Tyler Naquin continues to advance and 4 more things about the Indians
