Refsnyder doing all he can to make OD roster

Outfielder hoping 'intangibles' help cause; Guyer's status to be reevaluated

March 25th, 2018

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- defied the odds earlier this week when a hard-hit ball to deep center field disappeared through a small opening in the Goodyear Ballpark wall. It was fitting that Refsnyder achieved what seemed impossible, given the odds stacked against the outfielder for making the Indians' roster.
With Opening Day only four days away, there remains a small opening for Refsnyder to work his way onto Cleveland's roster. There is one spot left unsettled, and it will go to either Refsnyder or , who is coming back from a left wrist injury. All Refsnyder can do is go about his work and await word from Indians manager Terry Francona.
"It's a tall task," Refsnyder said before the Indians' 6-4 win over the Reds on Sunday. "But if you just put your work in, try to get better, try to impress the staff by intangibles, you can really make a ballclub by intangibles. Just try to be yourself, too. That's important. Over the course of the season, if you're up and down too much, it really doesn't reflect too well."
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The bulk of the Tribe's Opening Day outfield is set. will be in center field, will be in right and will be added to the roster as a right-handed complement for all three positions. And on Sunday, Francona announced that veteran (right ankle) would begin the season on the disabled list, meaning will also be on the roster for chances in left field.
The Indians believe Refsnyder, who hits from the right side, can fill a similar role as Guyer if the latter is not ready in time for Opening Day. Cleveland could use Refsnyder in the outfield corners and give him at-bats primarily against left-handed pitching.
"We want to make the [best decision]," Francona said. "Refsnyder knows what's going on. We want to make the most informed decision we can, so I think when we feel like we have enough information, we'll make it."
Napoli staying with Tribe
Francona hoped that veteran Mike Napoli -- in camp with Cleveland as a non-roster invitee -- would be able to use his spring to get at-bats and find a Major League job. That opportunity has yet to present itself, so Napoli has expressed that he is willing to go to Triple-A Columbus to start the season.

Francona was happy to hear that from the veteran slugger.
"In my opinion, he can still be a Major League player," Francona said. "Even platooning or something. But while we have him, his influence will be much appreciated. He's one of the very best. If he's around [prospects] and , it will be wonderful. I'm sure [Columbus manager Chris Tremie] will be thrilled."
Injury updates
• Guyer went 1-for-3 with a single and a hit-by-pitch in Saturday's game against the Rangers and came away feeling really good, per Francona. The manager said he will meet with Guyer, along with members of the front office and training staff, in the coming days to make a decision about the outfielder's status for Opening Day.
• Infielder Gio Urshela (mild right hamstring strain) is working through a rehab program and might be ready to resume game activity by the end of the week, per Francona. Urshela is bound for the DL.
• Righty (right shoulder) threw off the mound on Friday, and Francona said the starter was scheduled to do so again on Sunday. He will open on the year on the DL.
Worth noting
• Veteran right-hander Matt Belisle was informed on Saturday that he will be added to the active roster as the final piece to the Indians' Opening Day bullpen. On Sunday, Belisle said that he was extremely appreciative of the opportunity from Cleveland.
"I'm just very grateful," Belisle said. "I was very honored to be approached by Cleveland in the offseason. This organization values so many things that I believe in. They're obviously set up to give every fighting chance to win a World Series. So when I got the news yesterday, it was a very good day."

• The way the rotation has been scheduled over the final week of the spring, , , Mike Clevinger and Josh Tomlin are lined up for the Nos. 2-5 spots, respectively, following 's Opening Day assignment Thursday in Seattle.
Up next: Carrasco is scheduled to start for the Indians in a 9:40 p.m. ET game against the D-backs on Monday night at Chase Field. The game can be listened to via Gameday Audio. Major League relievers Dan Otero, and Belisle are also penciled in to pitch for Cleveland. This spring, Carrasco has a 6.14 ERA with 16 strikeouts and four walks in 14 2/3 innings in five Cactus League outings.