Indians lose Yan Gomes for 4-8 weeks with AC joint separation
By Ted Fleming
Cleveland activates Roberto Perez, but could they go hunting for Brian McCann or Stephen Vogt before the trade deadline?
The Cleveland Indians announced today, via press release, that they have lost catcher Yan Gomes to the disabled list after suffering an AC joint separation to his throwing shoulder. The injury happened when he was trying to avoid a tag by the Twins first baseman Kennys Vargas in Monday’s game.
Gomes, 28, is expected to miss from 4-8 weeks, and even with the activation of Roberto Perez, the Tribe was probably looking to the trade market anyway to solidify the catching position. Gomes had a .165/.198/.313 slashline in 71 games this season, and the club could not live with that kind of production if they are to hold off the Royals, who are defending AL Central and World Series champions.
Chris Giménez is a well-traveled backstop who has not provided much offense either with .188/.231/.271 splits, although he has five homers and 14 RBI in limited work. He is just a career .214 hitter and will probably remain in that role with Perez, for now, stepping in as the starter. The 27-year old is returning from thumb surgery, and the concern is whether he can provide anything more with the bat than Gomes or Giménez.
Solid catchers are rarely available at this time of the year, although there has been some speculation the Yankees could be enticed to part with Brian McCann as they begin the process of turning over their roster in a lost season. The New York backstop would be a perfect fit because he has the kind of power that fits nicely into the Indians lineup, as he has 14 homers and 39 RBI to go along with a .244 average.
McCann is 32 and is in the middle of a five-year deal worth a reported $85M. He is not a rental player that could be allowed to walk at season’s end, and his daunting salary might not be something Cleveland wants to take on. The Athletics’ Stephen Vogt might be a cheaper alternative and under team control until 2020. His .264/.322/.429 splits are far superior to anyone the Indians currently have.
Meanwhile, the Tribe also announced that they have recalled lefty Lyle Crockett from Triple-A Columbus and sent righty Cody Anderson to the same club.
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