Rajai makes Indians’ roster
Goodyear, Ariz. — Rajai Davis made it all the way back with the Cleveland Indians. Mike Napoli remains on the outside.
Davis, who hit perhaps the most memorable home run in club history during the 2016 World Series, was told Thursday by manager Terry Francona that he will be on Cleveland's opening-day roster. The 37-year-old outfielder signed a minor league contract with the club last month.
With Michael Brantley and Brandon Guyer still not at 100 percent while recovering from surgeries, the Indians needed depth. Davis, a former New London High School and UConn Avery Point star, has filled a need and the Indians are thrilled to have him around.
"Raj looks like Raj," Francona said. "He does an amazing job at age 37 getting to his full speed . ... We had to play him quite a bit because we wanted to get a good look at him. It's a pretty good test for a 37-year old in spring training. He bounced back really well. I think he has the freedom to be himself. That's a good thing. We all feel that he has the chance to help us win."
Davis cemented his name into Cleveland history two years ago in Game 7 of the Series when he connected for a game-tying, two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning off Chicago closer Aroldis Chapman. The Cubs went on to beat the Indians in 10 innings for their first title since 1906.
As for Napoli, the Indians intend to release him and re-sign the 36-year-old to a minor league contract. Cleveland brought him into camp as a favor to a player Francona has long admired.
It's possible Napoli could find a job with another team or accept an assignment to Triple-A Columbus.