Allen, Rodriguez among 12 sent to Minors
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GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Indians manager Terry Francona raved about getting to know outfield prospect Greg Allen this spring. The manager called infielder Ronny Rodríguez an intriguing player when discussing the race for the utility role on Cleveland's roster.
Both Allen and Rodriguez might fit into the Major League picture in the near future, but for now they will be continuing their development in the Minors. On Monday, they were part of a group of players who were reassigned from big league camp with the Tribe.
Allen and Rodriguez were both sent to Minor League camp, along with right-handers Travis Banwart, Steve Delabar and Josh Martin, lefties Chris Narveson and James Russell, catcher Guillermo Quiroz and infielder Eric Stamets.
Pitchers Ryan Merritt, Shawn Morimando and Adam Plutko were each optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
Allen, 24, is currently ranked the Tribe's No. 9 prospect on MLBPipeline.com's Top 30 list. The center fielder hit a combined .295 with seven home runs, 23 doubles, seven triples, 44 RBIs, 45 stolen bases and 119 runs scored last season between Class A Advanced Lynchburg and Double-A Akron.
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The 24-year-old Rodriguez, ranked No. 27, has been working on becoming a utility option for multiple infield and outfield spots -- similiar to big league candidates Erik González and Michael Martinez. Rodriguez hit .258 with a .693 OPS, while appearing at six positions over 116 games for Triple-A Columbus last season. Rodriguez then hit .306 with an .824 OPS in 44 games for Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League.