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1 hour ago
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The Cleveland Guardians have two incredible hitting prospects waiting in the wings at Triple-A Columbus.
They've got to figure out how to make room for Ralphy Velazquez and Cooper Ingle, though, before they get a promotion to the MLB level.
To that end, the Guards have tried something new.
On Saturday, Velazquez started in left field.
On Sunday, Ingle started in left field.
Columbus is being used, as it should be, as a chance to develop players who have a chance to help Cleveland in the major leagues.
The Columbus Clippers are starting Cooper Ingle in left field today. It's his first non-catcher start at the professional level.
Ralphy Velazquez started in left field yesterday.
Guardians keeping their options open by trying two of the organization's best bats in the outfield. pic.twitter.com/9IfOAbSkJp
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Velazquez is generally a first baseman, and he's best known for his bat. But the Guardians certainly aren't getting hitting production out of all three outfield spots, so it's something to consider.
Ingle is a catcher, but given that the Guardians recently traded for Patrick Bailey, it doesn't seem Ingle would be an everyday catcher anytime soon (with Austin Hedges still at the MLB level, too, and Bo Naylor at Triple-A).
Until now, the Guardians haven't had reason to increase their versatility. But in the interests of maximizing what so far has been a strong season, Cleveland is seeing what it can do with its shiny young bats.
This doesn't mean either will ever play a lot of outfield at the MLB level, but turning it into an option is a logical thing to try.
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