Cleveland Indians Designate Leonys Martin For Assignment

Getting into an argument with the face of the franchise is a good way to end your time with a ball club. Struggling at the plate and in the field is another.

Francisco Lindor's leadership and desire to win were on display during an early exchange with Leonys Martin in the @Indians' dugout.#RallyTogether | @JLEWFifty | @AlPawlowski pic.twitter.com/xJtAC9AGMk

— SportsTime Ohio (@SportsTimeOhio) June 20, 2019

The latter is the main reason why the Cleveland Indians announced Saturday after they have designated center fielder Leonys Martin for assignment. The argument in Thursday’s series finale in Arlington, Texas against the Rangers with shortstop Francisco Lindor perhaps sped up the process.

The Indians have designated Leonys Martin for assignment to make room for Aaron Civale on the 25- and 40-man rosters.

— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) June 22, 2019

Martin has been designated just eleven month after acquiring him from today’s opponent, the Detroit Tigers. Pitcher Aaron Civale has been called up from Triple-A Columbus to make the start against the Tigers. Civale replaces Mike Clevinger who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with an ankle injury. Since Civale was not on the Indians 40-man roster, a spot had to open up.

Chris Antonetti confirms the #Indians have designated Leonys Martin for assignment pic.twitter.com/FBNWenXQ35

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— Casey Drottar (@CDrottar19) June 22, 2019

“This was a difficult move for us organizationally with all we’ve been through with Leonys,” Indians president Chris Antonetti said. “But at this point we felt it was the right thing to do for our team. We have a lot of moving parts right now and we expect there to be some forthcoming moves that will rebalance our roster over the next few days.”

Martin was hitting .199 with nine home runs and 19 RBIs in 65 games in 2019. The 31-year old outfielder was acquired at the trading deadline in 2018 in a desperate move by the Indians to fill a need in center field. Martin played in just six games with the tribe before a life threatening bacterial infection ended his season.

“Unfortunately, Leonys has just had a really difficult time getting going offensively,” Antonetti said. “We feel there are guys who are capable and have earned some of those at-bats. That kind of led to this decision.”

Martin’s designation is also good news for fans who have been demeaning the Indians call up power hitting prospect Bobby Bradley. The Columbus Clippers leader in home run could be promoted as soon as Sunday.

The #Indians have designated Leonys Martin for assignment.

Bobby Bradley should be called up.

He has 24 HR’s this year with the @CLBClippers

pic.twitter.com/XtO4uk1ETg

— 🎙Everything Is Earned (@CLESportsPod) June 22, 2019

Oscar Mercado will serve as the Indians starting center fielder for the time being.

Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport