Indians OF Davis makes Opening Day roster; Napoli released

Two key pieces on the Cleveland Indians' 2016 pennant-winning team are heading in opposite directions ahead of the 2018 season.

Outfielder Rajai Davis was informed Thursday that he has made the Indians' 25-man Opening Day roster while first baseman Mike Napoli was released in a procedural move to get him to Triple-A Columbus.

Both Davis and Napoli joined the Indians on minor league contracts last month. Because of Napoli's major league service time, the Indians must allow him the chance to sign with another major league club before sending him to the minors. The 36-year-old will be on the market for 48 hours and will need to sign a new minor league deal if he is to return to Cleveland.

Among other moves, the Indians optioned outfielder Greg Allen and right-hander Ben Taylor to Columbus, reassigned right-hander Alexi Ogando to minor league camp and informed infielder Erik Gonzalez he will be on the Opening Day roster with third baseman Gio Urshela (hamstring) starting the season on the disabled list.

Davis, 37, has hit .242 with three stolen bases in 33 at-bats this spring. The veteran speedster spent last season between the Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox, hitting .235 with 29 stolen bases in 117 games.

Napoli hit .208 with one home run and two RBIs in 24 spring at-bats. The slugger had 29 homers for the Texas Rangers last season but was held to a .193 batting average in 124 games.

Davis and Napoli each shined for the Indians in 2016; Davis had 43 stolen bases and hit .249 while Napoli blasted career highs in home runs (34) and RBIs (101).

Cleveland is expected to make several additional roster moves in the near future. Per manager Terry Francona, relievers Matt Belisle and Carlos Torres will be given a decision on their roster status Saturday, left-hander Ryan Merritt will learn his fate Friday and outfielder Tyler Naquin and utility man Rob Refsnyder are in a holding pattern until the team makes a decision regarding outfielder Michael Brantley (ankle), who homered in his spring debut Wednesday.

Outfielder Brandon Guyer (left wrist) might not be available for Opening Day, right-hander Carlos Carrasco (left foot contusion) is fine a day after leaving his start after being hit by a line drive and right-hander Danny Salazar (right shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday.

--Field Level Media