Indians demote 3B Chisenhall, SS Ramirez to Triple-A
The Cleveland Indians announced a handful of rosters moves late Sunday night.
The team optioned third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and shortstop Jose Ramirez to to Triple-A Columbus, recalling infielders Zach Walters and Giovanny Urshela to take their places on the roster.
Urshela, 23, hit .275 with three home runs and nine RBI in 21 games at Columbus. He missed all of spring training and the first few weeks of the Triple-A season with lower back inflammation. Urshela's back issues also caused him to miss two weeks in early May. He will make his major-league debut Tuesday night in the series opener against Seattle at Progressive Field.
Walters, who started the season on the major-league DL with a strained oblique, has spent most of the season in Triple-A. He hit .259 (29-112) with seven doubles, two triples, two home runs and 15 RBI in 30 games with Columbus. Walters had a short stint with the major-league club from May 8-20, going 1-for-17 in seven games. He has appeared in games at second base, shortstop, third base and left field.
Mike Aviles is expected to see the bulk of the time at shortstop, with Walters serving as a utility player. Urshela, who is known for his above average defense, will likely see significant playing time at third base.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor will remain in Columbus, at least for now. The Tribe's top prospect is hitting hit .269/.342/.393 with two home runs, 21 RBI, and eight stolen bases in 231 plate appearances. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal suggests that the Indians could promote Lindor soon, likely when the Super 2 status deadline passes.