Three players are vying for the utility role on the Indians’ bench, per manager Terry Francona.
That list includes Erik Gonzalez, Michael Martinez and Ronny Rodriguez. That role is often valued by Francona, as it allows him additional flexility and insurance to make moves and play matchups late in games. Currently, those three all fit the description as a utility player, though that roster decision as much as any other could come down to what the club needs at the end of spring training. In this case, like many, need can play as much of a factor as individual performance.