Krieger tallies five hits in 15th pro game

Tyler Krieger is a big proponent of positive thinking. There was a lot to be positive about on Saturday afternoon.

"You're going to have days and waves where you're 0-for-10 and stretches where you're 8-for-10, but mentally, you have to feel the same way regardless of the results of at-bats. Being consistent is thinking consistent," the Indians' No. 22 prospect said. "You have to think you're a good hitter. That's been my thought process this year. I'm being an optimist and always thinking something good is going to happen."

Many good things happened for Krieger, who went 5-for-6 with four runs scored, a pair of stolen bases and two RBIs to lead Class A Lake County to a 12-0 romp at Lansing.

"It was fun," he said. "Anytime No. 1, your team wins and No. 2, you have a day like that, it's a fun game."

Krieger, a 2015 fourth-round pick out of Clemson, is three weeks into his debut season in the Indians system and recorded the five-hit performance in just his 15th pro game. It lifted his Midwest League slash line to .368/.456/.439 after the switch-hitter faced lefties all day. He managed to send base knocks to each part of the outfield.

"Just using the whole field, understanding my strengths and staying within the strike zone and being able to use the whole field is what I pride myself on and what I was able to do," the 22-year-old second baseman said.

Lugnuts pitchers changed their approach to Krieger throughout the game, but nothing seemed to work.

"They started me off with a lot of soft stuff early, but I got fastballs in my middle at-bats," he said. "With guys in scoring position, I saw a lot of breaking stuff and off-speed stuff, which is what you expect. Being able to stay on pitches and make adjustments during at-bats is what I try to do."

The California native has recorded multiple hits four times this month, including a 4-for-4 showing on April 11 at West Michigan. And he leads the league with 18 runs scored.

Krieger was a shortstop throughout his amateur career until a torn labrum limited him to DH duties as a junior at Clemson. His arm strength has steadily improved since undergoing surgery in the fall of 2014, and there's a possibility he may transition back to the left side of the infield.

"I'm most excited about how far my arm's come these last couple months. It's been awesome," he said. "I feel like I can turn DPs and really let it rip when I want to. It's only going to continue to get stronger. We've talked about [a move back to shortstop]. It is not out of the question.

"I try to take it one day at a time because it's been two years since I've been able to put in work there and try to get better, rather than only try to get healthy. I'm just excited to feel like I can play and contribute on the defensive side of the ball. If [the Indians] want me to play short, I'm willing to do whatever they need. I just want my arm to be healthy and strong enough to play anywhere, and I think it will be."

Indians No. 29 prospect Casey Shane (2-1) tossed five one-hit innings, fanning four and working around five walks to earn the win.