3 Players Who Won't Be on Potential Indians' Postseason Roster

The Cleveland Indians are in the thick of a tightly-packed American League Wild Card race that currently sees the club 1.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the second spot.

There is, however, an outside shot that the Tribe nabs the AL Central crown, as they sit just 4.5 behind the Minnesota Twins, with a handful of games still left to play against the division leaders.

With that possibility in mind, let's take a look at a few players who will not make the cut for the Indians' potential postseason roster, whether they sneak in or steal what they deserve.

3. Eric Haase, Catcher

This wasn't really up for debate. Cleveland has relied heavily on Roberto Perez all season long, and despite his woeful month at the plate in August, he's still proven to be one of the most prolific defensive catchers in all of baseball, with bizarre light-tower power. Further, Kevin Plawecki has emerged as a viable game manager for the Tribe's staff whenever inserted behind the dish. That leaves Haase and his .000 batting average the odd man out. Sorry.

2. Jefry Rodriguez, RHP

Unfortunately for Jefry Rodriguez, the Indians just have too many arms in their bullpen. In his eight cameos since being promoted, the 26-year-old has posted a 1-5 record, which is indisputably a product of his rancid 4.74 ERA and 1.466 WHIP. The youngster will have to wait to make his postseason debut for the Tribe.

1. Bradley Zimmer, OF

Most clubs generally carry five outfielders on their postseason roster, and Cleveland has five better options presently at their disposal over Zimmer -- Yasiel Puig, Greg Allen, Oscar Mercado, Jordan Luplow, and Jake Bauers. Zimmer's lack of production at the plate will result in his downfall, for lack of a better term, as he's slashing just .237/.300/.370 across 405 at-bats in 2019.