Almonte out to ‘pay back’ Tribe for helping him

CLEVELAND — Abraham Almonte hopes to finish his season with a champagne celebration. The outfielder did his time, missing the first half of the season due to a suspension, but he is trying to do everything in his power now to help the Indians achieve their October aspirations.

As part of his punishment, Almonte will not be eligible for the postseason, but he can help the Tribe get there. In early July, when Almonte’s 81-game suspension for testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance came to an end, and Cleveland called him back to the big leagues, the outfielder received a text from his agent.

“Good job, Abe. It’s time to pay them back.”

Almonte is trying to show his gratitude through his play on the field.

“I know how much the Indians helped me and have taken care of me,” Almonte said Sunday morning. “That’s the way I feel right now. I have to do everything I can to make sure I do my best to help the team get to the playoffs.”

Lately, Almonte has been holding up his end of the bargain.

Entering Sunday’s game against the Angels, the switch-hitting outfielder was batting .286 with one homer, nine doubles, eight RBIs and 11 runs scored in 26 games (75 plate appearances) for …

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