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Indians release Mike Napoli

San Diego Padres v Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 11: Austin Hedges #18 of the San Diego Padres looks on as Mike Napoli #5 of the Texas Rangers hits a three-run, walk-off home run in the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 11, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)

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The Cleveland Indians have released Mike Napoli.

This is not terribly surprising as he was seen as a depth move to begin with. Injury insurance for Yonder Alonso at first base and Edwin Encarnacion at DH, neither of whom are injured at the moment. Napoli was on a minor league contract and the Indians made it clear that, if he can’t find a major league job elsewhere, he’s welcome to come back and cool his heels in Columbus in the event he’s needed later.

Which may be what happens if he wants to keep playing because, after a season in which he hit .193/.285/.428, and a spring in which he hit .218/.310/.431, there aren’t likely to be a ton of takers.

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