GOODYEAR, Ariz. _ It isn't set in stone just yet, but Hanley Ramirez can just about etch his name into the Indians' Opening Day lineup.
The Indians on Sunday acquired infielder Brad Miller, but they also optioned reliever Nick Wittgren to Triple-A. That leaves the 25th spot on the roster, as of now, for Ramirez as a designated hitter.
Ramirez was brought into camp as a low-risk flier to see if he could find his swing and be inserted into the middle of the lineup. Any offensive boost the Indians can find is especially needed with Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis already sidelined for Opening Day.
Ramirez had the bat speed, but it didn't translate to the field until Friday night, when he belted two home runs and a double. This spring he's hit .278 with an .844 OPS in 36 at-bats.
With so many players around the league becoming available and moving around, it's still possible the Indians add to their roster.
"If we stay put, Hanley is on the team," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "If there's another move from the outside made, it could affect Hanley and we told him that."
