BALTIMORE: Lonnie Chisenhall underwent surgery to set his fractured right ulna bone at the Cleveland Clinic Saturday and won’t return to the Indians for at least 2½ months.
Head trainer Lonnie Soloff explained that the fracture was stabilized by using a plate and screws.
“It tends to heal even better when they use those,” he said. “But because the break is closer to the [wrist] joint, it will take a little longer, 10-12 weeks before he can return to full baseball activity.”
Chisenhall suffered the injury when he was struck by a Troy Patton fastball Friday night.
“It was a very vulnerable location, because there’s not much soft tissue in the area,” Soloff said.
Added manager Manny Acta, “Lonnie is still optimistic that he can play this year.”
The Tribe still has three infielders who can play third: regular Jack Hannahan, Jose Lopez and Jason Donald.
BUCKING THE ODDS — Going into the series with the Baltimore Orioles, the Tribe was 5-16 when a left-hander started for the opposing team. But all three wins at Camden Yards came when left-handers started.
“You’re never as good as some people think you are,” Acta said. “And you’re never as bad as some other people think. These guys aren’t that bad against left-handers.”
HAFNER CLOSE — Travis Hafner (knee surgery) got three at-bats at Columbus Saturday and was scheduled to play again Sunday night.
“After he plays, we’ll re-evaluate him to see if he’ll be activated on the homestand at some point,” Acta said.
That could be as early as tonight.
ANOTHER DAY FOR SANTANA — Carlos Santana sat out his fifth game with a sore right side, leaving the catching to Lou Marson.
“Carlos hasn’t hit on the field yet,” Acta said. “We don’t need to rush him.”
FARM FACTS — Michael Goodnight gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings, but Carolina lost 5-4 to Myrtle Beach. Anthony Gallas had two doubles. … Jose Ramirez had a double and four singles, and Alex Monsalve hit his sixth homer of the year and singled, driving in three runs, as Lake County beat West Michigan 7-4. … Luis DeJesus (1-0, 0.53 ERA) gave up one unearned run and four hits in six innings, as Mahoning Valley defeated State College 3-1. Charlie Valerio homered.
— Sheldon Ocker
