Russ

Canzler

He’s now batting .435 (10-for-26) this spring. Canzler started the game in left field, and he’s becoming a real option to start there for the Tribe while Grady Sizemore is out and Michael Brantley is playing center. The soon-to-be 26-year-old batted .314/.401/.530 with 18 homers last year at Triple-A in the Rays organization.

He should return to camp in a couple days. Canzler is batting .268 (11-for-41) with one double and two RBI this spring and is currently competing for playing time in left field.

Canzler was acquired him from the Rays this offseason after being named the International League Player of the Year at Triple-A Durham. “We’re impressed by the way he swings the bat,” said manager Manny Acta. “He doesn’t panic at the plate. He has raw power, but he’s not a pull monster. He uses the whole field consistently.” Working against Canzler is the fact that both Shelley Duncan and Aaron Cunningham would be subject to the waivers process if not on the Opening Day roster.

Canzler has by far the most experience at first base, but he has appeared in over 100 games in the minors in the outfield, as well. He had an RBI double Saturday, hit the ball hard in his other two plate appearances and also made a nice catch up against the wall. “It’s not going to be one and done,” manager Manny Acta said of Canzler’s appearance in left field Saturday. “We will give him some games over there to help evaluate him.” Canzler batted .314/.401/.530 with 18 homers last year at Triple-A in the Rays organization.

Canzler was designated for assignment by the Rays last week in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for infielder Jeff Keppinger. The 25-year-old posted a promising 314/.401/.530 batting line with 18 home runs, 40 doubles and 83 RBI in 131 games last year at Triple-A Durham and could certainly factor into Cleveland’s plans for 2012. He can play first base, third base and corner outfield.

The move was made in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Jeff Keppinger. Canzler had a hit in three at-bats for the Rays last September and had a nice year at Triple-A Durham, batting .314/.401/.530 with 18 homers. There’s a good chance the 25-year-old will clear waivers and remain in the organization.

Canzler has 21 home runs and 34 doubles (.815 OPS) in 130 minor league games this season. Matt LaPorta and Canzler will serve as the Indians’ designated hitters with Travis Hafner (lower back) on the disabled list.

Canzler finished the memorable evening 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI. His two-run homer off Liam Hendriks in the fourth inning got the Tribe on the board, and he added an RBI single in the fifth to pull tie the game at 4-4. If he keeps hitting, he could get an extended look over the season’s final month and could be worth a flier in deeper mixed formats.

The 26-year-old Canzler is hitting .296 with three homers in 71 at-bats since joining the Indians. Cleveland will have openings at first base and in left field next year, and Canzler would surely love the chance to compete for one of the jobs. He might get it with the way he’s performed of late.

His blast in the sixth put the Tribe ahead before Adam Dunn’s home run binge won it. Canzler is getting a good number of starts this month and is batting .269 with a couple homers.