To get at-bats, Gonzalez will play some second base
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Erik Gonzalez is playing second base for the Indians during Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Reds, but don't expect to see him there too much.
Terry Francona said that due to Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez being in camp, he wanted to get Gonzalez in the lineup to get some at-bats. Lindor is batting second and will be the shortstop and Gonzalez is batting ninth.
"Getting just five at-bats while he's in major-league camp is not going to help him. He's played around the infield and everyone is comfortable with him playing second," Francona said. "He's a shortstop. Just not today."
In a consensus list of prospect rankings compiled by Fox Sports Ohio, Gonzalez is ranked 11th.
CHEN UPDATE: Bruce Chen will get his first Cactus League action on Thursday against the Reds. He will go two innings and follow Trevor Bauer.
Chen said after the Royals designated him for assignment last August he considered retiring but decided to go another year after talking with his family. The Indians, who will look as a starter first, signed the left-hander right before the start of spring training.
"Everything is going good so far and I've been trying to get a lot of stuff worked out," Chen said. "Last year was tough because I had some back issues and not finishing pitches. I feel better and have been consistently able to repeat pitch after pitch."
Chen has also emerged as one of the funnier guys on the team. When asked what pitches he was working on during the offseason, Chen said "I would like to call it a fastball but right now it is not fast enough so I call it ball."
DEFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS: The Indians employed the shift once during Tuesday's game when Jay Bruce was up. Francona said it will happen occasionally in spring training games but only when there is some knowledge about players.
