Injuries force early call-up of Cabrera

MINNEAPOLIS: Asdrubal Cabrera didn't have to wait until Friday to be activated from the disabled list.

Because of minor injuries to outfielders Michael Brantley and Austin Kearns, the Indians phoned Cabrera at 11 this morning and told him to get on the first plane to the Twins Cities from Akron, where he was completing a rehabilitation assignment with the Aeros.

When asked if a home run hit by Cabrera Monday night sent a message, manager Manny Acta said, ""No, a couple of banged up players sent a message.''

Acta said that all reports indicate Cabrera is ready to resume his duties as the everyday Tribe shortstop. He has been recovering form a fractured bone in his forearm for two months.

In Cabrera's absence, rookie Jason Donald has been playing short. He will now move to second, displacing Jayson Nix, who has been the regular second baseman for three weeks, since he was claimed off waivers from the White Sox. Nix will move to the bench as the utility infielder. Most of his experience has been at second and third, but Acta said he also can play shortstop.

But tonight and probably tomorrow, Nix will be in left field, because of the injuries to Brantley and Kearns.

""We know he can play the outfield,'' Acta said. ""He played there this year. Of course, we talked to him today. He said, "No problem.' ''

Nix said he has only started one game in the outfield since signing a professional contract.

""I started once for the White Sox last year,'' he said. ""I think I might have gone in once during a game. Other than that I never played out there, and that includes the minors.''