Indians have no intention of trading Aviles
Cleveland sticking by utility man during difficult time
CLEVELAND -- The Indians have been extremely supportive and accommodating when has come to Mike Aviles' family situation this season. With his young daughter fighting leukemia, and receiving treatment from the Cleveland Clinic, the club plans on continuing that approach through the upcoming non-waiver Trade Deadline.
While teams have surely inquired about Aviles -- a versatile utility man with veteran experience and a strong clubhouse presence -- the Indians have no plans of trading him away as part of the July 31 Deadline deals. The Indians intend on keeping Aviles around for the rest of the season, after which he will be eligible for free agency.
"We're trying to be pretty respectful about Mikey and his family stuff," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "We haven't spoken too much about it, just to kind of explain why he hasn't been here [at times] and things like that. But, I know from the conversations with [general manager Chris Antonetti and assistant GM Mike Chernoff], that's pretty accurate [that he won't be traded].
"I mean, if Mikey asked to be traded, that might be one thing, but I don't think, because of the situation Mike's in with his family situation, that Chris would ever do that. So, that's pretty accurate."
FOXSports.com first reported that Cleveland had no desire to deal Aviles in light of the circumstances.
Entering Thursday, the 34-year-old Aviles was batting .250 with four home runs, nine RBIs and 24 runs in 57 games for the Indians. Aviles -- capable of playing multiple infield and outfield positions -- has had two stints on Major League Baseball's Family Medical Emergency List this season to tend to matters on the home front. His 4-year-old daughter, Adriana, was diagnosed with leukemia in June.
More Tribe trade buzz
• Both Yahoo! Sports and FOXSports.com reported Thursday that the Indians have shown a willingness to listen to offers for starter Carlos Carrasco. The Blue Jays have reportedly talked to Cleveland, which owes Carrasco $19 million through 2018 and has team options in his contract that could keep him in the fold through 2020. It would surely take a considerable package to pry Carrasco and his team-friendly deal away from the Indians.
• FOXSports.com also reported that the Indians have no intention of trading slugging outfielder Brandon Moss, who is batting only .220, but has 15 homers and 48 RBIs through 88 games. Moss, who was acquired in a trade from the A's in December, is earning $6.5 million this season and will be eligible for arbitration for the final time prior to the 2016 season.
• ESPN reported Thursday that the Indians are willing to listen to offers for their Opening Day third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, who is in Triple-A right now. Chisenhall is owed roughly $900,000 for the rest of the season and is under team control for two more seasons. At Triple-A, Chisenhall has hit .290 (.789 OPS) overall, but .327 (.883 OPS) against right-handed pitching.