Indians Promote Top-30 Outfield Prospect Oscar Mercado
By Joey Mauceri
The Cleveland Indians are desperate for a shot in the arm in their outfield, and help could be on the way in the form of prospect Oscar Mercado.
The club will reportedly promote the young outfielder in the wake of Tyler Naquin's injury, as he'll be heading to the IL.
#Indians call upon prospect Oscar Mercado to boost a sagging outfield unit: https://t.co/VdpiwirSJ6 pic.twitter.com/q4UHPR1M7H
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) May 14, 2019
The Indians 19th-ranked prospect was acquired via trade from St Louis last season, and he has been hitting very well in Triple-A so far this year with a .294 average and .891 OPS. Mercado also brings speed on the basepaths, with 14 stolen bases already in just 17 attempts. His best attribute, however, is his defense. He's the highest graded defender in Cleveland's entire minor league system.
Starting in left field for the Cleveland Indians, making his Major League debut: Oscar Mercado. pic.twitter.com/K8rSd0n4ou
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) May 14, 2019
The Indians' outfield has been among the worst in the majors to start the season. Just one of their outfielders has an OPS north of league average, and that's Jordan Luplow with a .777 OPS in 51 plate appearances. Carlos Gonzalez, Leonys Martin, and Tyler Naquin have all struggled mightily so far this season.
With Naquin heading to the IL, the Indians outfield has become even further depleted. Cleveland is hoping that Mercado can provide some kind of spark at least until the regulars start getting healthy.