Terry Francona says save the shift and 4 other things about the Cleveland Indians



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OAKLAND – Manager Terry Francona is OK with double programs in seven innings and the automatic runner on second in extra-inning games.

This is surprising because in most areas of baseball Francona is a traditionalist. He even told reporters on Friday’s Zoom call that the automatic racer makes things pretty fun.

“Sometimes as you get a little older you don’t know how you’re necessarily going to adjust to things like that, but that’s okay with me,” Francona said.

He has a different opinion from Commissioner Rob Manfred suggesting that field shifts could be banned or reduced.

“I’m not a huge fan when they tell you how to participate,” Francona said. “I’ll probably always feel this way. They try to be more offensive in the game, I understand that.

“But you seem to be rewarding the guys who don’t use all the terrain. That, to me, doesn’t make sense. We’re trying to get the guys back to use all the court because you will be rewarded for that, for hitting correctly. Now all of a sudden the guys can shoot the ball and you are going to be rewarded for it.

“I think it’s a bit backwards. But they won’t ask me, and I won’t have anything to say about it. But I’m not a big fan of when they tell you how you can compete. Same thing with the lifters.

Francona’s comment about the bullpen refers to the three batting rule that says a pitcher must face three batters when entering the game.

The MLB and the Players’ Association have agreed to a seven-inning doubles program and automatic runner on second base to protect players during the pandemic. Manfred said both of these rule changes will likely be scrapped after this season.

N ° 1: So far, everything is fine

The Indians are confident their All-Star contingent of Jose Ramirez, Shane Bieber and Francona was not at risk of being infected by Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge during the festivities at Coors Field. The judge and several Yankees were closed on Thursday after testing positive for the coronavirus.

The Yankees have reached an 85% vaccination rate, but this is the second outbreak they have this season.

“I was supposed to get tested today and I actually talked to the (judge) a bit,” Francona said. “So I was relieved when they tested me.”

Francona added: “It’s hard to understand. That is why you need to listen to the experts. It’s twice with the Yankees. Some of the guys get vaccinated, this is the second time they’ve gotten it. I think everyone took off their seat belts and were probably paying for it now. “

# 2: Updates from Shane Bieber and Aaron Civale

Bieber still doesn’t play wrestling as he recovers from an outstretched right shoulder. Last year’s winner of Cy Young hasn’t pitched a game since June 13 against Seattle. Aaron Civale plays wrestling at 105 feet as he recovers from an injured middle finger to his right hand.

Without Bieber and Civale, the Indians will come out of the truce with this rotation: Eli Morgan, Cal Quantrill, Zach Plesac, JC Mejia and Triston McKenzie.

Plesac and McKenzie spent the star break in Goodyear, Ariz., Launching into mock games to stay sharp. McKenzie threw a paddock session ahead of Friday night’s game against the A’s.

N ° 3: New job

Former Indian wide receiver Rene Rivera has signed with the Nationals. He will take Starlin Castro’s place on the list.

Rivera did a good job for the Indians replacing Roberto Perez as Perez recovered from right ring finger surgery. He hit .236 with two homers and nine RBIs in 21 games.

Outfielder Jordan Luplow (left ankle) is scheduled to begin his official rehab Monday at class AAA Columbus after playing games for the Indians complex team in Goodyear, Ariz. Luplow hasn’t played in a big league game since May 26.

In the minors, shortstop Andres Gimenez missed time at Columbus with a bruised foot, while promising southpaw Eli Lingos will no longer pitch this season after sustaining facial fractures when he was hit in the face with a batted ball as he threw for Class AA Akron.

N ° 4: Finally

Seeker Gavin collins strike a grand slam and Alex call made a home run, but that wasn’t enough to keep Columbus from losing to St. Paul, 9-5, on Thursday. Zack godley, trying to get back into the big league with the Indians, allowed five runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Sam hentges, optioned at Columbus just before the break, threw 1 1/3 scoreless relief. … Richard Palacios hit two doubles and produced three runs as Class AA Akron fell to Harrisburg, 10-6. Seeker Bo Naylor hit his fourth home run and Daniel schneeman did a home run and drove in three points. … RHP Daniel Espino struck out nine catches in four innings as Class A County Lake County lost to Lansing, 4-0. Espino, the tribe’s No.1 pick in 2019, allowed two runs on three hits with three walks. … Angel Martinez (0.301) went 2-for-4, but Class A Lynchburg lost to Fredericksburg, 10-1.

indian masks

A variety of face masks for Cleveland Indians available online today. (Fanatiques.com)

New Indian masks for sale: Here’s where you can purchase Cleveland Indian-themed face covers for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB profits are donated to charity.

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