Diaz Makes the Cleveland Indians’ Opening-Day Roster

Yandy Diaz is ready for the big leagues…

The 25-year-old Cuban infielder has made the Cleveland Indians‘ opening-day roster after he was expected to start the season in the minor leagues.

Yandy Diaz

Diaz, who batted .325 in 95 games at Triple-A Columbus last season, is considered one of the Indians’ top prospects. He had an excellent spring camp and the American League champions have decided he’s ready to make the jump at the start of the Major League Baseball season.

“Yandy’s spring training was terrific. I think we all agree. If you look at Yandy’s last year, we were trying to figure out a place for his bat,” said team manager Terry Francona. “That’s why he was going to the outfield. It’s not a kid who got 45 at-bats and never hit. He has been a good hitter and he’s becoming a better hitter.”

Diaz could start at third base. The Indians have to shuffle players around with second baseman Jason Kipnis and right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall starting the season on the 10-day disabled list.

Francona said infielder Michael Martinez also has made the 25-man roster. Martinez appeared in 95 games for Cleveland last season and made the final out in Game 7 of the World Series.

Third baseman Giovanny Urshela and infielder Erik Gonzalez were optioned to Columbus.

“We spent a lot of time talking through this decision over the course of the last few days and met again this morning,” general manager Chris Antonetti said. “It was a difficult decision. We felt we had a lot of good alternatives and choices we could have chosen. It’s a reflection of how Gio and Erik did as well in addition of how Yandy and Michael played. This puts us in a strong position to start the season.”

Diaz was apprehensive when he walked into Francona’s office, fearing he would be sent to the minor leagues.

“I was super nervous when Chris and Tito called me in,” Diaz said. “I’m going to be 2,000 percent excited on opening day.”

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