Zach Walters

In the final flurry of roster moves, the Indians DFA'd infielder Zach Walters to open space on the roster for Marlon Byrd.

Fantasy Impact

Zach Walters has been unable to overcome the strikeouts and poor plate discipline that have stifled his development. He has power potential with an ability to offer good defense in both the infield and outfield. In 12 big league games last year, he struck out 15 times with no walks whilst hitting .133.

According to Indians' camp on Tuesday, utility player Zach Walters will only see time in the outfield at the start of Spring Training

Fantasy Impact

Zach Walters crushed in the minors but his appalling strikeout rate (34% in 2014 and 50% in 2015) has not allowed his power to show in the majors. There are outfield playing time opportunities in Cleveland, especially with the doubt over Michael Brantley's return date. Zach Walters was involved in a car accident in December while recovering from labrum surgery, so it is not guaranteed that he will be 100% at the start of the season.

Indians' utility player Zach Walters went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts coming on as a pinch-hitter / right fielder in the 16 inning game vs. the Yankees on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

This is the third call-up to the Majors for Zach Walters this year and he has not looked remotely like the player who hit 10 home runs in 137 plate appearances in the big-leagues last season. Walters is currently hitting 0.133 AVG with 15 strikeouts to zero walks in 30 plate appearances. The potential remains but there are others within the Indians' organization who are taking their opportunities.

Zach Walters went 1-for-3 with two RBI in the Columbus Clippers' victory on Saturday, taking his tally to 33 RBI in Triple-A this season.

Fantasy Impact

2015 has not been the season many expected from Zach Walters after hitting 10 home runs in the Majors in 2014 in just 127 at-bats. He is hitting .235 AVG with six home runs in 238 at-bats in Triple-A this season and despite playing DH, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS and OF, he is not offering enough to warrant a call up. An injury or a trade could change that.

The Indians optioned Zach Walters down to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

Francisco Lindor's promotion to starting shortstop created a surplus of bench infielders with Zach Walters and Mike Aviles. Walters has options and has made little productive contribution, as shown by his .235 OPS vs. RHP and .400 OPS vs. LHP. He still has potential and will get another shot later in the season.