Indians Promote Slugging Prospect Bobby Bradley From Triple-A
By Karl Rasmussen
Indians fans rejoice!
After a long wait, the Tribe have decided to reinforce the lineup, making the move to promote slugging prospect Bobby Bradley from Triple-A Columbus.
Folks.
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) June 23, 2019
We have made a roster move:
+ Recalled 1B Bobby Bradley from Triple-A Columbus
+ Optioned LHP Josh Smith to Triple-A Columbus
Welcome to Cleveland, Bobby! ? pic.twitter.com/EeGTCWldmP
Bradley was absolutely mashing in the minors. Across 67 games this year, the 23-year-old slashed .292/.359/.638 with 24 home runs and 55 RBI. The main flaw in his game is his strikeout rate, as he's whiffed 91 times in 257 at-bats, a 35.4% strikeout rate.
He was drafted by the Indians in the third round of the 2014 MLB Draft and has been working his way through the farm system since.
Here's the scouting report on Bobby Bradley, the #Indians' No. 6 prospect: https://t.co/8BNtXT3iN3 https://t.co/UxpAABl2Qx
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 23, 2019
In a corresponding move, Cleveland has optioned left handed reliever Josh Smith to Triple-A.
Smith had made six relief appearances in the big league this year, logging a 5.40 ERA and 2.40 WHIP. He struck out 9 batters across 5.0 innings of work.
The addition of Bradley to Cleveland's lineup will add some much-needed power, as the Tribe ranked in the bottom-third of the league in home runs this year. They recently designated Leonys Martin for assignment, with Bradley effective replacing him.