I get that this comes up in various threads, though it's not all in one place. So, if you were calling the shots, which positional player(s), if anyone, gets moved (traded/released, etc...) and who gets brought up? You can note the option to wait until the end of the month for service time reasons, naturally. Again this is not intended to be a discussion about what what Elias will/won't do, but rather what YOU would do.
Key: *=Lefty bat, #=Switch-hitter, and ages as of opening day are in parentheses
My thoughts are presented here, but what are yours?
1B: Mountcastle (27.1)
2B: *Holliday (20.3) AAA (I would not play service time games with players. His D at 2B needs improvement but it won't be a detriment to the team, and he'll eventually be a strong defender there by season's end)
SS: *Henderson (22.7)
3B: Westburg (25.1) (He's decent at 3B, but it's not ideal to play him here. But until Mayo can handle 3B, Westburg gets the bulk of his AB's at 3B. Unless dealt, Westy could become a super utility type if deposed by Mayo)
CA: #Rutschman (26.1)
LF: *Cowser (24.0) (It's time)
CF: *Mullins (29.5)
RF: #Santander (29.4)
DH: *Kjerstad (25.1) (IMHO HK may never be a good enough defender at 1B or RF to play there regularly and could see the bulk of his time as DH. His bat is too good to stay in AAA)
X: Urias (29.8) (Stays until Mayo's arrival, then dealt)
X: Mateo (28.8) (Stays until a better speed player that can play solid D in multiple positions is acquired)
X: Hays (28.7) (Will see 300'ish AB's as a reserve, spotting both Cowser and Mullins on occasion)
X: McCann (33.8)
Notables:
*O'Hearn (30.7) (Traded)
Mayo (22.3) AAA (Stays until his D at 3B improves. Even if he doesn't show he can be a solid defender at 3B, his bat is outstanding and will be the driving force in his MLB career, likely beginning by mid-season)
*Stowers (26.2) AAA (Already 26, he's ready for the show, but unless there's an injury or two, I don't see a spot for him. He deserves his chance and will probably be dealt this season)
Norby (23.8) AAA (If his defense were decent, he'd be a far better prospect, as he can hit and hit with power. I just don't see him as a fit here)