SAN FRANCISCO -- Trevor Bauer's abbreviated outing against the A's on Sunday had a ripple effect on the Indians' roster.
Prior to Monday's game against the Giants, Cleveland recalled lefty Ryan Merritt from Triple-A Columbus to provide a fresh arm for the team's bullpen. The move came after Bauer lasted only two-thirds of an inning in a 7-3 loss to Oakland, forcing manager Terry Francona to use five relievers to cover 7 1/3 frames.
To clear a spot on the active roster, the Indians optioned outfielder Tyler Naquin to Triple-A Columbus.
"Losing a game is hard enough," Francona said. "You don't want it to factor into you losing another game. We'll get Merritt here. Naquin caught the unfortunate shrapnel from the move. That didn't make anybody happy, but that's what we did."
This marks Merritt's second stint with the Tribe this season. The 25-year-old lefty also made a spot start against Minnesota on June 17, when he allowed three runs (two earned) over four innings. In 15 games at Triple-A this season, Merritt has gone 7-5 with a 3.36 ERA in 93 2/3 innings, in which he has 72 strikeouts against 25 walks.
With Naquin back in Triple-A, Cleveland's outfield consists of Michael Brantley, Bradley Zimmer, Brandon Guyer and Abraham Almonte. Given that there is no designated hitter available during the current Interleague series, the Indians will still be able to feature a four-man bench against the Giants.
Salazar sharp in latest rehab
Indians right-hander Danny Salazar (10-day disabled list with a right shoulder issue) struck out nine, walked three and scattered three hits over six shutout innings in a Minor League rehab outing with Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. He will remain with Columbus for the next four days before potentially being activated by the Tribe.
"He had a really strong game," Francona said. "We're going to tell him to kind of go about his week like normal and then we'll call him [Tuesday] as a group with more information on what we think the next start looks like, or where."