What does Francisco Lindor’s injury mean going forward?

The club announced on Friday that all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor will miss the next seven to nine weeks with a right calf injury.

With spring training approaching, the Cleveland Indians have been dealt a significant blow. He'll have plenty of time to audition in Goodyear, and depending on Lindor's recovery process, may well be the starter on Opening Day.

Lindor, 25, is coming off a monster 2018 campaign where he slashed.277/.352/.519 with 82 extra-base hits (38 home runs), 92 RBI and 25 stolen bases.

If Lindor is unable to open the season - he's going to have to go through a fast-track version of spring training no matter when he returns - who is going to play shortstop? Utility man Max Moroff, acquired from the Pirates in the Gonzalez deal, played six games at short a year ago. Lindor and Jose Ramirez were expected to carry the offense this season so this injury can not be welcomed news in the executive offices at Progressive Field. At worst, he'll miss the Tribe's first few regular season series'. Ramirez could move from third to shortstop, but that's a long shot. He's yet to play in the big leagues, but he posted solid numbers in triple-A a year ago and should be reliable defensively.

Last month, Lindor signed a one-year $10.55 million contract for 2019 to avoid salary arbitration with the Indians.

Cleveland's pursuit of a fourth consecutive American League Central title will fall largely at Lindor's feet after the team cut payroll this offseason and let go of key players. Flaherty has played sparingly at short in his seven-year career.

Joyce, 34, spent the past two seasons with the Oakland Athletics.

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