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Tribe slugger will get few days off at Buffalo to help sore shoulder
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Tuesday, Aug 26, 2008
DETROIT: There wasn't even a hint of alarm in Eric Wedge's voice, but the Indians' manager revealed Monday that Travis Hafner might not be ready to come off his rehabilitation assignment later this week.
''Hafner still feels some soreness,'' Wedge said of his designated hitter, who has been on the disabled list since May 26 with weakness in the right rotator cuff. ''He's going to have a couple of off days.''
Hafner is on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo, where he is 4-for-13 with two doubles and three strikeouts. He has generally been the Bisons' DH on alternate days to ease his shoulder back into a regular routine.
''This is just part of the process,'' Wedge said. ''At some point, we have to find the right mixture of work and playing. He won't do anything today and probably not tomorrow.''
It seems improbable that the mere act of swinging a bat could be such a challenge for Hafner, unless his injury has failed to improve significantly. But Wedge insisted that the effects of the injury are subsiding.
''He feels good early in the game, but he needs to feel better later on,'' Wedge said.''You have to remember that he didn't swing a bat for a long time. But he's definitely better than before.''
It is clear that club officials would prefer to see how Hafner reacts to major-league pitching this season rather than write him off until spring training. Not only would that help his timing and confidence, but it also would give General Manager Mark Shapiro and Wedge some indication of whether they can count on him next year.
Moreover, it is difficult to prescribe a winter workout/baseball program for Hafner without knowing what he can tolerate.
''It depends on how the rest of the season plays out for him,'' Wedge said. ''It's possible [that we'll want him to do nothing]. If he can just get this thing behind him, we think he'll be in good shape. If not, we have to re-assess.''
The two other Tribe players on rehab assignments — Victor Martinez and Josh Barfield — apparently are on schedule. Martinez might even return to the active roster this week after spending more than 10 weeks on the DL after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips and other loose bodies from his right elbow.
''Victor probably will catch tomorrow, then DH,'' Wedge. ''After that, we will re-assess.''
Barfield has been the DL for 10-plus weeks after undergoing surgery on his finger. He might be a few days behind Martinez.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
DETROIT: There wasn't even a hint of alarm in Eric Wedge's voice, but the Indians' manager revealed Monday that Travis Hafner might not be ready to come off his rehabilitation assignment later this week.
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