Fansided

5 reasons the Cleveland Indians can be a sleeper in the Wild Card race

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Francisco Lindor has provided a critical spark

With one of the strongest rookie classes in recent memory, a few strong young players have been lost in the shuffle. Francisco Lindor is among them and has been of tremendous value to the Indians during their recent hot streak.

In 67 games since being called up in mid-June, Lindor has been worth an impressive 2.7 WAR. While he was considered a glove-first prospect coming up through the minors, he’s posted a solid 118 wRC+ at the plate in his rookie season.

Something has clicked particularly well recently, as Lindor hit .385/.427/.519 in August. With that kind of bat out in front of some strong run producers, the Indians have been scoring more runs recently.

Lindor has addressed one of Cleveland’s biggest weaknesses at shortstop and more. His WAR ranks third among A.L. shortstops, despite playing in far fewer games than most of his competition. While the Rookie of the Year is still probably Carlos Correa’s to lose, his recent injury plus Lindor’s hot streak means there could be an argument at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has looked like just the piece the team was missing early in the season.

Next: Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis

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