Indians' Oscar Mercado Suffers Wrist Injury After Making Diving Catch in Spring Training Game

Injuries are never good, however they are especially unfortunate just before the MLB regular season is about to kick-off. The Cleveland Indians have some new concerns regarding their centerfielder.

Oscar Mercado exited Thursday's exhibition against the San Francisco Giants with a wrist injury after making a diving catch.

Oscar Mercado made a diving catch on a shallow fly ball to CF, but it looked like his wrist bent backwards when he made contact with the ground. He laid on the ground holding his wrist in pain until the medical staff came out.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) March 5, 2020

The injury was diagnosed as a left wrist sprain, and he is currently listed as day-to-day. However, Mercado will be re-evaluated Friday morning.

Oscar Mercado was diagnosed with a left wrist sprain. He’s listed as day-to-day and will be re-evaluated tomorrow morning.
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) March 5, 2020

The 25-year-old centerfielder will be entering his sophomore season this year after a solid rookie campaign. Mercado finished 2019 with a .269 batting average and 15 home runs. He also is a threat on the basepaths as he notched 15 stolen bases.

If Mercado will not be ready by Opening Day, the Indians should be able to manage as they have depth in the outfield. They currently have Delino DeShields Jr. listed as the backup centerfielder, who they acquired from the Texas Rangers as part of the Corey Kluber trade. Domingo Santana, Franmil Reyes and Greg Allen may split reps with DeShields while Jordan Luplow should see regular playing time.

As the Indians have a myriad of outfielders, even with the possibility of losing Mercado short term, Terry Francona will have some tough decisions to make.