Josh Tomlin takes the mound tonight against Jose Abreu and the rest of Charotte Knights lineup. Entering the game, Tomlin has a career 2.78 ERA at the AAA level, so he should be in line for a solid outing.
Tonight also marks the return of Lonnie Chisenhall, who will be taking the demoted Tyler Naquin’s spot in center field. It will be Chisenhall’s second career start in center—because when a player comes off the DL, it always makes sense to throw them into a situation in which he has almost no experience.
The center field decision is even more baffling because Abraham Almonte—the undisputed best outfielder on the roster—is starting in right. It’s baffling how Francona can continue to fill out a lineup card with Almonte in it but insist on putting Naquin, and now Chisenhall, in center.
During the 2014-15 seasons, Almonte racked up +10 defensive runs saved in center field, but Francona has inserted him center for just 10 innings since (0 this season).
Hopefully Lonnie works out, but as a general rule, former third basemen don’t turn into great defensive centerfielders over night.
Here are tonight’s lineups:
| Indians | White Sox | ||
|
DH
|
Carlos Santana |
SS
|
Tim Anderson |
|
SS
|
Francisco Lindor |
LF
|
Melky Cabrera |
|
LF
|
Michael Brantley |
1B
|
Jose Abreu |
|
1B
|
Edwin Encarnacion |
DH
|
Cody Asche |
|
2B
|
Jose Ramirez |
RF
|
Avisail Garcia |
|
CF
|
Lonnie Chisenhall |
3B
|
Matt Davidson |
|
3B
|
Yandy Diaz |
2B
|
Yolmer Sanchez |
|
RF
|
Abraham Almonte |
C
|
Omar Narvaez |
|
C
|
Yan Gomes |
CF
|
Leury Garcia |
|
SP
|
Josh Tomlin |
SP
|
Miguel Gonzalez |