CLEVELAND _ Indians manager Terry Francona has four different lineups made out in his office for the Indians' win-or-go-home Game 5 showdown against the New York Yankees Wednesday night. He'll have to pick one before the 8:08 p.m. ET first pitch, but several variables remain, most of them health related.
One of the biggest questions is with the designated hitter spot. It's possible _ even likely _ that Edwin Encarnacion is able to return for Game 5, a major break for the Indians if he can play. Encarnacion sprained his ankle in the Indians' Game 2 win Friday night. Based on the nature of the injury, it seemed unlikely he'd be able to return, but the diagnosis was easier for the Indians to hear than the video was to watch.
Encarnacion ran sprints and took live batting practice off Ryan Merritt during the Indians' optional workout on Tuesday. After sitting out both of the Indians' losses in New York in Games 3 and 4, it sounds as though he won't be missing the decisive Game 5 to determine which team advances to face the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series. When asked if Encarnacion would be available, Francona said, "I think so."
"I think he'll be OK," Francona said. "[Monday] night during the game he was moving and hitting around a little bit. I think he'll be OK."
If Encarnacion is the DH, the next question is with left field. Left-hander CC Sabathia is starting for the Yankees, which means Austin Jackson could be a natural selection for the starting lineup.
Michael Brantley might be healthy enough to start in left field, but he's struggled at the plate, going just 1-for-11 this series and would be at a platoon disadvantage. He's been trying to find his swing and his timing on the fly but hasn't yet looked like the same player who went down with a sprained ankle in early August.
The Indians could opt to have Brantley available as a pinch-hitter if a high-leverage situation arises late in the game.
"Yeah, I don't know about that one," Francona said when asked about Brantley starting Game 5. "Some of it may depend on who's available. Sabathia's been tough on him historically anyway. We may be better off having him on the bench. I haven't quite worked through that yet. Obviously, a lot of that hinges on Edwin."
The defensive alignment, and at least third base, could also see a shift. Giovanny Urshela, who committed two costly errors in Game 4, took a liner off the shin Monday night and was a little sorer on Tuesday, according to Francona. Staying with the current roster, the Indians could start Urshela if he is able to, turn to Erik Gonzalez at third base or shift the defensive alignment to move Jason Kipnis back to second base and Jose Ramirez to third, opening up another spot in the outfield.
The Indians also have the option to place Urshela on the disabled list, though that would make him ineligible for the ALCS if the Indians advance. Yandy Diaz could then be activated in his place, offering an offensive upgrade at third.
The Indians have a number of lineup configurations from which to choose, making a pivotal Game 5 a bit more complicated. It also might make for a tougher night of sleep for Francona.
"I've got four lineups down there just because there's a lot of either-ors," Francona said. "And we'll figure it out."
