Clint Frazier will get his first Cactus League action on Friday when an Indians split-squad travels to Mesa, Ariz., to face the Cubs.
Frazier, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft, will be the designated hitter. He is ranked third among Indians prospects according to Baseball Prospectus and is also third in consensus rankings compiled by FoxSportsOhio.com.
The last four first-round picks are making the trip. Francisco Lindor (2011) will play shortstop and bat leadoff, center fielder Tyler Naquin (2012) is batting seventh, and Bradley Zimmer (2014) will be one of the reserves.
"It will be a fun day to see how these kids react," manager Terry Francona said.
Lindor and Naquin are in camp for the second straight year and have done well. Lindor has played eight games and is batting .400 (6-for-15) with four of the hits going for extra bases. Naquin has been in for five games and is 3-for-10.
Zimmer reached base in all three plate appearances against the Reds on March 5 including a triple.
Yan Gomes, Mike Aviles and T.J. House are the only notable regulars who are making the trip as the rest will remain in Goodyear for the game against the Diamondbacks.
TRAINER'S ROOM: Ryan Raburn and Zach Walters will not play on Friday. Raburn is getting an injection in his left knee, which was planned before he tweaked it on Thursday and is also getting it drained. Raburn is expected to be in the lineup on Saturday against the Dodgers. Walters remains sore and could have suffered an oblique strain. He remains day to day.
Giovanny Urshela has back stiffness and is out of the lineup for the second straight day. Brandon Moss was supposed to play right field on Friday but has been scratched due to the flu. Moss, who has homered in his first two Cactus League appearances with the Tribe, is expected to play in right on Saturday.
PITCHING OUTLOOK: Shaun Marcum will get the start for Monday's game against the Royals while Danny Salazar will pitch in a sim game. Salazar faced the Royals earlier in spring training, and Francona is trying to limit his starting pitchers from making multiple appearances against the Royals and White Sox while in Arizona.
Josh Tomlin threw a side session on Thursday and will pitch on Saturday. Carlos Carrasco will get the start. Corey Kluber is the scheduled starter for Tuesday's game against the Reds.
