CLEVELAND: The Indians on Wednesday activated outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall from the 15-day disabled list and demoted outfielder Collin Cowgill to Triple-A Columbus.
Chisenhall started the year on the disabled list with a left wrist impingement after also dealing with a shoulder issue during spring training. He appeared in seven rehab appearances between the Double-A RubberDucks and Columbus Clippers.
He said in late March he was pain free and that it was more about him getting enough at-bats to be ready for the season. The Indians also faced seven left-handed starters in their first 11 games, which would have made it difficult to put Chisenhall in the lineup on a regular basis. On Wednesday night, he returned and batted seventh in the lineup.
“[Chisenhall] said the last couple days, he really felt like he had his bat speed back and he felt good, and he said he was ready,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “And you try to trust your guys. When a guy says he’s ready, we try to believe in him and trust him.”
Chisenhall provides an upgrade defensively in right field and offensively against right-handed pitching. Marlon Byrd figures to platoon with Chisenhall against left-handed pitchers. Rajai Davis and Tyler Naquin are also in that mix, with Jose Ramirez being an option in left field.
Cowgill struggled to start the season and had an option remaining, making him a logical choice to be sent to Columbus. He’s just 1-for-12 this year.
“We talked to Collin [Tuesday night] after the game,” Francona said. “By his own admission, he hasn’t hit a lot, and that wasn’t the end-all, be-all, because of what we were asking him to do, which was go in and play defense, things like that. But, I also think, as disappointing as it can be to go to Triple-A, it can be really good for him.”
Two returns
The Indians could also have more clarity on Michael Brantley’s situation Sunday.
Per Francona, the plan is for Brantley to play Wednesday, have an off-day on Thursday and then play back-to-back nights on Friday and Saturday for Columbus. Playing two straight days and having his surgically repaired shoulder respond well is a key milestone in his return.
Brantley will then check in with the team on Sunday.
“He’s chomping at the bit, which is good,” Francona said. “That means he feels good. I think he’d like to come back yesterday. Obviously, we’d love to have him, but I think you’ve got to respect the medical people’s opinion.”
Charity work
The Indians announced on Wednesday that shortstop Francisco Lindor will be working in collaboration with Major League Baseball and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program.
This season, he’ll be visiting underprivileged youth, mainly those residing in urban communities, in Cleveland and in road cities as the Indians travel. He’ll first be at the Philadelphia Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy on April 28 and then will do work around Cleveland on May 26, with details to be announced later.
“Growing up, a lot of people helped me,” Lindor said. “I was blessed that people helped me. I’m a big believer that God always put someone in front of me to guide me to the next door. He’s doing it for me, a lot of people are doing it for me, and I want to do it too.”
Lindor will also serve as an ambassador for the Lindor Smile Squad program, which provides unique baseball experiences for children and adult athletes with disabilities. A Miracle League athlete will be hosted every Monday home game.
“Every Monday, we’re doing a little thing for kids,” Lindor said. “I’m big on kids. I think they’re the future. Kids are special. I want to give back. I was a kid once. I still believe I’m a kid. I just want to give back.”
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com.