CLEVELAND, Ohio -- First the versatile infielder on the Indians' roster was going to be Jose Ramirez. Then it was going to be Michael Martinez. Now Erik Gonzalez, in his first taste of the big leagues, is going to get a chance as the Indians emerge from the All-Star break with a 6 1/2 game lead in the AL Central.
Ramirez couldn't fill the role because he was too busy replacing injured Michael Brantley in left field and being the Tribe's first-half MVP. Michael Martinez had a good run in that role until the Indians played 19 innings against Toronto on July 1 and deep fried their pitching staff.