GOODYEAR, ARIZ.: Yandy Diaz essentially forced the Indians’ hand.
With Jason Kipnis set to start the regular season on the disabled list and Jose Ramirez sliding over to play second base, the Indians had a decision to make as to who would start at third base to open 2017. It was announced on Thursday that Diaz was making the Opening Day roster.
Giovanny Urshela seemingly had the inside track. He has major-league experience, his service clock has already started, he was on the 40-man roster and Indians manager Terry Francona had said the club didn’t want to allow his development to plateau.