Ezequiel

Carrera

Carrera was batting just .172/.250/.207 with nine strikeouts through 32 plate appearances this season at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 31-year-old outfielder hasn’t played in a game at the major league level since 2017.

Carrera struggled mightily in the upper minors in 2018, batting just .193/.244/.262 in 158 plate appearances between the Triple-A affiliates of the Braves and Mets. The 31-year-old outfielder got regular playing time at the MLB level with Toronto in 2017, but that probably won’t happen again -- definitely not with the Dodgers.

Grady Sizemore was the alternative, but he’s now expected to begin the season on the disabled list following a back strain. Brantley will likely move from left field to center, but Acta plans to give other players a look before making a final decision. Ezequiel Carrera, Felix Pie, Trevor Crowe and Ryan Spilborghs are among the possibilities.

The only way that will change is if 24-year-old Ezequiel Carrera is able to win the job this spring, or if Grady Sizemore makes a smooth and rapid recovery from back surgery. Brantley batted .266/.318/.384 with seven homers, 13 stolen bases and 46 RBI in 114 games last year. He’s a mediocre mixed-league fantasy outfielder.

Of the three, Carrera probably had the best chance to crack the Opening Day roster, especially with Grady Sizemore’s injury. But, he batted just .227/.292/.227 this spring to earn a trip to Triple-A to start the season.

Carrera has spent all of this season in the minors, batting .294/.345/.419 with six homers and 26 steals for Columbus. He’ll back up at all three outfield spots.

Carrera, who was recalled to the big league roster on Friday, should be given a chance to play fairly regularly with Johnny Damon given his release. The speedy outfielder is now 4-for-7 on the season, and is worth monitoring in deeper fantasy leagues for his intriguing speed potential.

Hafner hasn’t started three out of the last four games due to back stiffness. The Indians were hopeful he would be ready to return Tuesday, but he apparently needs another day. Shelley Duncan will serve as the DH on Tuesday while Ezequiel Carrera starts in left.

The severity of the injury isn’t yet clear. Ezequiel Carrera will start in his place in center field.

Brantley injured his groin in a rundown play over the weekend and sat out Monday’s game. He may need to miss a couple more games. Ezequiel Carrera is playing center field again Wednesday while Thomas Neal plays left field.