SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Indians plan on opening the regular season with Jose Ramirez back at third base and Jason Kipnis manning second. That alignment has created an uphill battle for third baseman Yandy Diaz to make Cleveland's Opening Day roster.
Barring something unforeseen, Indians manager Terry Francona said the debate about Diaz will center around not only the roster composition, but whether the third baseman will be better served opening in the Minors. With Triple-A Columbus, Diaz could garner regular at-bats and playing time, rather than filling a part-time bench role for the Indians.