CLEVELAND (AP) — Injured Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner is set to take batting practice for the first time since going on the disabled list.
Hafner, who has been sidelined since May 20 with a strained side muscle, will take batting practice Friday with his teammates in New York before the Indians open a four-game series at Yankee Stadium. Manager Manny Acta said Thursday that Hafner could soon be sent out on a rehab assignment in the minors.
Hafner said earlier this week he believes he can be playing by the time the Indians return home on June 17.
Although they still lead the AL Central, the Indians are just 4-11 since May 24 and have sorely missed Hafner in the middle of their lineup. He was batting .345 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 32 games before getting hurt.
During a just completed homestand, the Indians went 1-6 and went just 3 for 42 with runners in scoring position.
