GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- When Oscar Mercado arrived in Goodyear last month, no one expected the tremendous spring he was about to have. But even though he turned as many heads as he could at big league camp, he was optioned back down to Triple-A on Tuesday afternoon.

Mercado's scouting report raved about his speed and defense but also reflected some inconsistency at the plate. The 24-year-old took it upon himself to go to Cleveland in the offseason and work with some coaches and instructors in the organization to revamp his swing, and so far it’s paid off. The Tribe’s No. 19 prospect per MLB Pipeline wrapped up his spring campaign hitting .400 with three homers, nine RBIs and a 1.165 OPS.

“He had one heck of a camp, and we just told him that,” manager Terry Francona said. “To the point where we had conversations about taking him with us.”

Ultimately, the team decided to give Mercado some more time in the Minors and let him play every day to get some more repetitions rather than see inconsistent playing time at the big league level to start the season.

“In the end, the way we’re situated, playing once or twice a week in April in Cleveland, first time in the Major Leagues, we didn’t think that was setting him up for success,” Francona said. “I think we all feel like he has the capabilities of being an everyday Major League player. So to short-change him like that, that’s just not setting him up for success. And we explained that to him.”

Mercado sat down with his manager for about 15 minutes on Tuesday to receive the news. Although Francona said Mercado was disappointed to find out he wasn’t going to break camp with the team, it’s clear that an opportunity to get the young outfielder up to the Major Leagues is not far away.

“He’s a really off-the-charts kid,” Francona said. “Sometimes when you tell the guys the message that they’re getting sent down, they’re not able to really digest what comes after that. So we wanted to make sure he did, because we thought it was important.

“He’s in a good place. He should be. He’s a smart kid, he plays the outfield well, he can run, he’s revamped his swing. His future should be bright.”

Joyce released

The Indians made sure to inform Matt Joyce that he would not be making the Opening Day roster early enough in Spring Training that he could look at some other options. On Tuesday, the team announced that Joyce was released from his contract and is now a free agent.

Lindor close to running bases

Francona said that Francisco Lindor played another four or five innings in the team’s Minor League game Tuesday afternoon. Prior to the contest, Lindor had simulated running the bases without actually using bases just yet. The next step will be for him to get some work on the basepaths this weekend at full intensity.

“I talked to him – I think it was yesterday or the day before – just how I felt about things and just how important it is to not rush something until we do it right,” Francona said. “And he’s doing everything right. He’s a sharp kid. He’ll be OK. Whether it’s Opening Day, three days later or a week later, we’re gonna make sure he’s healthy.”

Could Clippard remain with the Tribe?

After the Indians received the news that Tyler Clippard would be shut down for three to four weeks on Friday, Francona mentioned that the Indians were trying to figure out a way to keep him with the club. They seemed to be closer to making that happen.

“They’re working out language and all that stuff,” Francona said. “Again, it’s one of those things where we really liked having him here. I think he likes it here. He’s not gonna be ready to be here, so I know they’ve talked to his agent and I know they’re working through it.”

Up next

The Indians will have a split-squad day on Wednesday, playing against the Angels at Goodyear Ballpark and the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Carlos Carrasco will start against Halos lefty Tyler Skaggs and Adam Plutko will take the mound against San Francisco left-hander Drew Pomeranz. The home game is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. ET, while the contest in Scottsdale is slated for 10:05 p.m. ET.