While Cleveland’s matchup with the Cincinnati Reds was postponed by the inclement weather affecting the northeast Ohio region throughout the day Thursday, it did not stop the Indians organization from conducting some business. In addition to cancelling the day’s game, the Indians also lost outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall, who was placed on the 7-day disabled list with a concussion.
The move was made retroactive to May 23, meaning it could be a short stay on the list for Chisenhall if he passes tests and returns to health quickly.
With the cancellation of Thursday’s game, the Indians did not announce a corresponding roster move. It likely will not be Corey Kluber taking his place on the 25-man roster, as the rehabbing Cleveland starter, who had been sent to Triple-A Columbus to make a start against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, was unable to do so as rains washed out the activities from Huntington Park.
He is tentatively listed as the starter for the Clippers game on Friday night in Columbus against the Norfolk Tides.
The Indians outfield was already thinned out with the losses of Abraham Almonte, Brandon Guyer, and Austin Jackson, who are all on the 10-day disabled list for the club. Jackson has been working through a rehab assignment in the minors while trying to return from a hyperextended left great toe, but he was unable to get in work on Thursday with the rain out in Columbus.
The Indians are unsure of when Chisenhall may have sustained the concussion, which has been described as mild.
“He was experiencing concussion-like symptoms,” shared Indians manager Terry Francona about his injured outfielder, who is making his second trip to the disabled list this season. “You talk about a lower-grade ankle, that’s one thing. But, when you’re talking about a concussion, you need to err on the side of caution.”
The Indians outfield is currently composed of Michael Brantley in left, rookie Bradley Zimmer in center, and recently called up Daniel Robertson in right. Utility man Erik Gonzalez can also cover the grass in the outfield, but is a more polished infielder.
Chisenhall last played Monday night in Cincinnati, going 0-for-3 against the Reds. He did not start against the left-hander Amir Garrett on Tuesday night, but did not feel well on Wednesday with the team back in Cleveland and was a late scratch from the starting lineup.
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