The Cleveland Indians designate Jason Michaels for assignment

The Indians have decided to cut ties with veteran outfielder Jason Michaels. The move will be made official tomorrow. Michaels played in 21 games for the Indians this season and he was 12 for 58 (.207 avg, .534 OPS) with 3 runs scored, 9 RBIs and 1 stolen base. Michaels played in 249 games for the Tribe in three seasons and he was 216 for 819 (.264 avg) with 123 runs scored, 16 homers, 103 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. Michaels will be replaced on the roster by outfielder Ben Francisco. Francisco has played in 2 games for the Indians already this season and he was 2 for 6 (.333 avg, .833 OPS) with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. Francisco will likely take over Michaels’ role as the right handed swinging half of a platoon in left field. This is a smart move by the Indians but it will not solve all of the offensive problems that they have had this season. Michaels will likely have little trouble getting a job with another major league team.

(indianslocker.com)