The Indians added another veteran to their outfield mix this spring, signing Will Venable to a minor league deal that includes a nonroster invite to major league camp.
Venable, 33, will join a crowded outfield competition that includes Abraham Almonte, Collin Cowgill, Joey Butler, Zach Walters (now focusing primarily on outfield work), Robbie Grossman, Shane Robinson, Michael Choice, James Ramsey and Tyler Naquin. With Michael Brantley expected to be sidelined roughly the first month of the season, Rajai Davis and Lonnie Chisenhall look to have two slots nailed down until Brantley’s return.
Almonte, who manned center field for much of the second half of last season and Cowgill, who could platoon with Chisenhall in right field and has the ability to play all three spots in the outfield, could be the top two contenders in that field.