Cleveland Indians call up top prospect SS Francisco Lindor

The Cleveland Indians promoted shortstop Francisco Lindor, their top prospect, from Triple A Columbus on Sunday.

The Cleveland Indians promoted shortstop Francisco Lindor, their top prospect, from Triple A Columbus on Sunday.

The Indians first announced the decision to call up Lindor Saturday night. In a corresponding roster move, outfielder Nick Swisher was placed on the disabled list with left knee inflammation.

Lindor, 21, is the No. 3 prospect by MLB.com behind Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, who also was called up on Saturday, and Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, who came to the majors last weekend.

The Indians drafted Lindor with the eighth pick in the 2011 MLB draft. In 57 games at Triple A Columbus this season, he batted .279 with two home runs, 22 RBIs, eight stolen bases and a .745 OPS. Over his five minor-league seasons, Lindor batted .278 with 21 home runs, 162 RBIs, 89 stolen bases and a .737 OPS.

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The Indians defeated the Tigers 5–4 on Saturday to move to 29–32, six games behind the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. At shortstop, the combination of Jose Ramirez and Mike Aviles had posted a collective .527 OPS, second-worst in the AL, and a league-worst .204 batting average entering Saturday.

Over 11 games in June with Triple A Columbus, Lindor batted .400 with one home run, three RBIs, two doubles and two triples in 52 plate appearances. He was named the International League Player of the Week for June 1–7.

The Indians said Lindor would wear No. 12 in the majors.

- Mike Fiammetta