Top prospect Francisco Lindor makes Triple-A debut, now one step closer to big leagues
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Roster move number 147 for the Columbus Clippers was something that many had expected to happen earlier.
Whatever the case was, Francisco Lindor is happy to be in Triple-A.
The Indians' top prospect made his Clippers debut on Tuesday on the road, going 1 for 5 in an 8-5 win over the Bats at Louisville Slugger Field. Wearing number 15, Lindor was in a familiar spot -- batting second and playing shortstop.
"They felt like I was ready for this level and here I am," Lindor said. "Elliot Johnson told me not to do anything different. It's the same game you've been playing."
The promotion is part of what has been a busy couple of weeks for Lindor. He played in the MLB Futures Game in Minneapolis on July 13 and then was part of the Eastern League All-Star Game in Altoona, Pa., three days later. Between that, Lindor got to go head to Florida for a couple days and spend time with family.
Lindor's promotion comes nearly a year after he was called up to Akron from Carolina. Each step along the way, the Indians have been methodical in bringing him up through the system.
"Every step along the way, Francisco continues to get better," said Indians general manager of Chris Antonetti last week. "It's especially impressive when you consider he's always been and continues to be one of the youngest players at his level. That continues to be the case, but he's a guy that, again, puts in the work and tries to get better in every facet of his game."
No matter where he has been, Lindor has proven he can handle it. In his first Spring Training in Major League camp earlier this year he was 6 of 17 with a home run and two RBI.
Being in the Major League clubhouse in Goodyear also helped out Lindor in other ways. As he said "I got a chance to understand how guys go about their jobs. Seeing how guys go about their business it has helped me mature and understand how things at that level work."
In 88 games with the RubberDucks this season, Lindor batted .278 with 12 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 48 RBI. He also had 25 stolen bases, which is tied for fifth in the Eastern League. The only stat that might elicit some concern is the 13 errors, but he has been widely considered by scouts as being one of the top defensive shortstops in the minors.
At Akron, Lindor said the big thing he worked on is consistency along with maturity. At 20, he is the youngest player in the International League.
"I've been maturing a lot as a player and person as the year has gone by and that has helped me," he said. "I've just been focusing a lot on doing what I can to help the team win. If that means there is a guy on third and driving him in or moving him over from second. Whatever I have to do. Not going to be perfect, nowhere near that but help the team win."
Lindor is considered to have the best plate discipline in the Indians' system. He displayed that in the seventh inning. After getting down 1-2, he fouled off four pitches in the at-bat to stay alive -- one of which was barely foul to the left-field seats -- got it to a full count and then lined a single to left to move Tyler Holt to third. Lindor later stole second and scored the go-ahead run.
"That was a key at-bat in the game and for him. In your first game at this level with a new team and being able to battle in that at-bat and hit the ball hard the other way it was nice to see," Columbus manager Chris Tremie said. "It was a good, consistent, great approach at-bat and he ended up getting a hit out of it."
In the field, Lindor was part of four double plays and fielded the grounder for the final out of the game. He is still wearing a mask to protect his face after suffering a non-displaced nasal fracture when a ground ball struck him during a game in late June. He said he is hoping he doesn't have to wear it that much longer but that the mask is less bulky and thick.
Besides learning pitchers in the International League, Lindor wants to make a smooth adjustment to his new teammates. He said the biggest thing is giving guys their space while making sure he doesn't come in boisterous and approaches things in a humble manner, which he has done at each level.
"The tendency is to try and do more. Just because you are at a higher level all of a sudden the players are better. It's the same game, just different guys are here," Johnson said. "I told him if he just acts who he is and be yourself he'll be fine."
The only difference this time is that the biggest surprise will be if Lindor isn't with the Major League club to stay next season.
