Cleveland Indians say Mike Aviles available today after concussion

Mike Aviles is available to play today for the Cleveland Indians, after missing more than a week and a half with a concussion he suffered on September 1. Aviles, who was injured making a diving catch, is not starting in game one of a doubleheader between the Indians and the Minnesota Twins, but is available off the bench.

The 33-year old has become a favorite of manager Terry Francona, and has appeared this season at six different positions, but has spent the majority of 2014 at either third base, left field, or second base. Aviles has appeared in 97 games, and is slashing .245/.270/.334 on the year, with five home runs and 33 RBI.

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Early in the season, Aviles was used as the starter at third base against lefties to protect Lonnie Chisenhall’s extreme splits, but Chisenhall has since earned more playing time at third base, leaving Francona to give Aviles spot starts elsewher. Aviles has been used particularly when other Indians players suffered injuries, and filled in for usual left fielder Michael Brantley when shifted over to centerfield to replace an injured Michael Bourn, and Aviles also got starts at second base when starter Jason Kipnis missed time earlier this year as well.