Travis Hafner finally appeared to be over the shoulder problems that wrecked him for multiple years, hitting .345 with five homers and a .958 OPS while playing nearly every day for the Indians, but now a different injury has put his most productive season since 2006 on hold.
Hafner was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup with a strained oblique and this afternoon the Indians placed him on the disabled list, where he joins center fielder Grady Sizemore.
Cleveland’s fast start has been both surprising and impressive, but can the Indians keep winning without two of their best hitters?
Michael Brantley has replaced Sizemore in center field, with Travis Buck and Austin Kearns platooning in left field, and Shelley Duncan figures to be the primary designated hitter with Hafner out.
