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Merritt, Aguilar added to Indians’ roster for depth
- Updated: September 11, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS — Lefty Ryan Merritt had already tasted the big leagues twice before his promotion from Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. That made things a little easier for the Indians rookie, as he prepares to potentially help Cleveland in its postseason chase for the rest of this month.
“It takes a little bit of the stress out of coming in the clubhouse,” Merritt said. “The first time you come, you’re a little more on your toes. It’s a little more draining, I guess. It wears on you a little bit. You get home to your hotel after the game and you’re ready to crash, just because you’ve been wide open all day.
“So, it’s nice to come up here and, I wouldn’t say relax, but it’s a little more comfortable.”
Prior to Sunday’s game against the Twins, Merritt and first baseman Jesus Aguilar got the call to The Show by the Indians. The left-handed pitcher will join the army of relievers in manager Terry Francona’s bullpen, while Aguilar will offer a right-handed bat off the bench. Cleveland is now carrying 36 players, including 19 pitchers.
The wealth of players gives Francona a plethora of options as the Indians attempt to lock down an American League Central title.
“In September, there’s no reason to ever get caught short,” Francona said. “We’ll try to balance the pitching the best we can. Some of the position players, they’re probably not going to play much, and they know that.”
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