CLEVELAND: Indians utilityman Mike Aviles started at shortstop for the second consecutive game Friday night. It’s a trend that might continue, though it’ll be done sparingly, because Aviles’ versatility makes him more valuable off the bench.
Aviles has received more playing time lately and is hitting .274 with three home runs. It’s been done in an effort to spell Jose Ramirez, who has struggled to a .184 batting average and a team-high eight errors.
Part of the issue of balancing their playing time at shortstop is that Ramirez, only 22-years-old, is still adjusting to the major-league game.