AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Akron, the next step in his recovery from an injured side muscle.
Hafner has been on the disabled list since May 20 with a strained oblique. He will be in the lineup Tuesday night when the Aeros host New Hampshire. He is expected to spend a few days in Akron, and if all goes well, Hafner could rejoin the Indians when they return later this week for an interleague series against Pittsburgh.
Hafner took batting practice and ran the bases the past few days with his teammates in New York.
The Indians are looking forward to his return to the lineup. Hafner was batting .345 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 32 games at the time of the injury.
