Gonzalez was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez was battling for a spot at third base with Yandy Diaz and Michael Martinez. However, Cleveland ultimately decided Diaz and Martinez would be better suited on their big-league roster and sent Gonzalez back to Columbus. During the 2016 season, Gonzalez hit .296/.329/.450 with Columbus.

Gonzalez is among a handful of players battling for the starting third base job on Opening Day, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez is in the hunt for the starting third base job with Jose Ramirez expected to slide over to second base with Jason Kipnis (shoulder) on the shelf. He will be battling Giovanny Urshela, Yandy Diaz and Richie Shaffer for the gig.

Gonzalez says he is fine after being hit on the right hand by a pitch Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Good news regarding the 25-year-old prospect. Gonzalez has put together a productive spring - hitting .298 with two home runs and 10 RBI - and with Jason Kipnis headed to the DL, it appears he'll have a good chance to crack the Opening Day roster. Expect him to return to game action sometime this weekend.

Gonzalez exited Friday's Cactus League game after being hit by a pitch on his right hand.

EDGE Analysis

This comes at an inconvenient time for Gonzalez, who is fighting to win a spot on the 25-man roster with Jason Kipnis (shoulder) expected to miss Opening Day. It's unclear how long the injury will keep him sidelined, so consider him day-to-day until the Indians update his status.

Gonzalez, who's competing for the team's utility role, is hitting .295 (13-for44) with nine RBI and five runs through 19 spring games.

EDGE Analysis

With Jason Kipnis (shoulder) unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, the Tribe could use the services of Gonzalez to begin the year. Manager Terry Francona has raved about Gonzalez's glove, even suggesting the 25-year-old has award-winning ability in the field. As of now, there remain a lot of moving parts when it comes to building the team's infield, but Gonzalez is at least on the radar. However, even if he can win the big-league job, he brings little to the table in terms of fantasy-league value.

Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with an RBI triple in Tuesday's exhibition game against Oakland.

EDGE Analysis

In his third Cactus League game, Gonzalez finally reached base after going 0-for-3 with a strikeout over the first two contests. Headed into Arizona, the 25-year-year old Gonzalez appeared to be on track for a reserve role on Opening Day. That plan has been hampered by the late-January addition of Ronny Rodriguez. Manager Terry Francona has spoken highly of the latter this spring, indicating Gonzalez will need to make a statement during camp to secure a spot of the 25-man-roster in April.

Gonzalez will have a fair shot to make the Opening Day roster as the team's top utility man, Keith Law of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez made his major league debut in 2016 with the Indians. Although he only tallied 16 at-bats, the 25-year-old showed his defensively versatility by making appearances at second, third, short and right field. Over eight minor league seasons, Gonzalez slashed .274/.316/.395 while averaging 12 stolen bases a year. The utility man won't hit for power, but in deeper formats, the organization's No. 14 prospect is worth keeping an eye on this spring.

Gonzales was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

With Columbus, Gonzalez has a .296/.329/.450 line, a vast improvement over 2015's mark of .223/.277/.311. He's had just nine at-bats with the big club this season, over which he notched one hit and five strikeouts. With Francisco Lindor playing shortstop, Gonzalez may spend some time in the Cleveland outfield, which he did earlier in the season.

Gonzalez was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez is probably one of the Indians' top prospects from a real life standpoint, based on his defense at shortstop, but he doesn't bring much to the table offensively, other than a solid hit tool. He has six homers and nine steals in 81 games at Triple-A this year, but as someone who is about to turn 25 and has logged 146 games at Triple-A in his career, those numbers aren't that impressive. Michael Martinez was claimed off waivers as a corresponding move.

Gonzalez was recalled by the Indians on Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez adds depth and versatility to an Indians infield that, while strong, is relatively shallow. He has slashed .296/.328/.420 with six home runs and nine steals at Triple-A Columbus this season and he will provide a solid right-handed bat off the bench. The Indians optioned lefty reliever T.J. House in a corresponding move Thursday.