GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Yandy Diaz is not expected to be in the Indians' Opening Day plans, but the team does plan on taking a close look at the intriguing prospect this spring.
For Monday's Cactus League game against Texas, the versatile Diaz made his preseason debut in left field. He went 0-for-1 with two walks in the Indians' 3-2 win over the Rangers.
Cleveland also plans on working Diaz in at third base and in right field this spring.
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"Defensively, he is still a work in progress," Indians manager Terry Francona said on Monday morning. "We even told him that last year, when we were trying to think about September and possible guys that could help, because he was transitioning to the outfield, because he wasn't ready yet defensively, he couldn't have been in that conversation.
"It was just so he understood, because offensively he was probably at the top of the list."
Diaz, who is Cleveland's 10th-ranked prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, made the All-Star Futures Game last summer and appeared in 121 games between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. In the Minors, he hit a combined .318 with 35 extra-base hits, 58 RBIs, 66 runs, 71 walks and 86 strikeouts.
"His at-bats are so quality," Francona said. "He swings at strikes. He's starting to hit the ball for a little bit more power. I think when you look at him, he hits a lot of balls to right-center field with authority. I think you can see him growing in to power, just because of his approach."
Other items of note from Monday:
• Francona said the Indians will be "keeping an eye on" righty Cody Anderson this spring, following his arthroscopic right elbow surgery in November. The manager noted that Anderson has been recovering well from his bullpen sessions, but noted that his Cactus League innings workload will be light.
• Carlos Santana has played in each of Cleveland's first three spring games. The first baseman requested extra at-bats early on to help prep for his upcoming World Baseball Classic stint with the Dominican Republic.
• Indians ace Corey Kluber completed a one-inning simulated game on Sunday with no issues. Kluber is on target to make his Cactus League debut on March 6.
• Former Major Leaguer Jason Giambi arrived in Tribe camp on Monday. He will be around the team for the next week as a guest instructor.
• Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (sick) was a late scratch from Monday's lineup against Texas.