Indians manager Terry Francona has finalized his 25-man roster for the AL Division Series against Houston except for one spot.
Francona said Wednesday that either outfielder Rajai Davis or utility infielder Erik Gonzalez will be the last addition to the roster. The Indians open the series on Friday in Houston against the defending World Series champions.
Francona, who will carry 11 pitchers — three left-handers — for the ALDS, said the decision between Davis and Gonzalez is a tough one. Davis hit a memorable home run in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series and can affect games with his speed. Gonzalez is a “safety net” in case All-Star infielders Francisco Lindor or Jose Ramirez get hurt.
Francona said one of the toughest decisions was to leave off veteran right-hander Josh Tomlin, the club’s longest-tenured player. Francona called Tomlin “one of the best teammates I’ve ever seen in my whole career and that doesn’t change.”
