Krieger Starts Pro Career Hot

CLEVELAND—Second baseman Tyler Krieger made up for the slight delay to his pro career with a hot start at low Class A Lake County this season.

The 22-year-old ranked among the Midwest League’s leading hitters in the first six weeks of the season and was a big reason why the Captains had the best record in the league.

“Tyler is a baseball guy. He eats, sleeps and breathes it,” director of player development Carter Hawkins said.

In his first 30 games, the switch-hitting Krieger batted .351/.423/.430 with 14 walks and 31 strikeouts. The Indians made him a fourth-round pick out of Clemson in 2015.

---

Following his sophomore year, Krieger had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He played his junior year as a DH. The surgery prevented him from playing for a short-season team after signing with Cleveland last year.

Healthy this year, Krieger is making up for lost time.

“I’m sure it was tough on him missing some time, but we had no concerns that he wouldn’t hit the ground running,” Hawkins said.

Krieger ranked among the MWL leaders with 40 hits, 26 runs scored and eight stolen bases as of mid-May. Hawkins said Krieger has been impressive as a hitter.

“He’s got a great feel for hitting,” Hawkins said. “He has a knack for finding the barrel and a consistency to his approach.”

Defensively, Krieger appears to have put his shoulder surgery behind him, and he had been a dependable contributor in the Lake County infield.

“He’s played a solid second base,” Hawkins said. “We’re seeing some improvements there the farther he gets away from his shoulder surgery.”

A native of Laguna Hills, Calif., Krieger was drafted in the 35th round out of high school by the Mariners in 2012.

SMOKE SIGNALS

• The Indians purchased veteran catcher Chris Gimenez from the Rangers to take over for Roberto Perez as the team’s backup to Yan Gomes. Perez had surgery on May 6 to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb and will miss eight to 12 weeks.

• Lefthander Ross Detwiler accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus after being removed from the 40-man rosters and clearing waivers.