Cleveland Indians’ designated hitter Travis Hafner might return to lineup –MLB News
Cleveland Indians' designated hitter Travis Hafner is looking positive to make a potential return into the season.
"I think I can play in our next series," the left-handed designated hitter said.
Tribe’s management announced that their veteran and highly talented player Hafner will make his potential comeback when they will meet Minnesota Twins in their three-match series.
“Hopefully, we’ll get him this homestand, He’s continuing to simulate at-bats in batting practice, Regardless of who you are, you should play if you’re healthy, He also makes us a better club when he’s in the lineup. It depends on what our medical staff recommends,” Cleveland Indians' manager Manny Acta said regarding Hafner.
Indians, who have been playing without Hafner for most of the season now, will potentially replace him with Russ Canzler and Casey Kotchman. Though this is not confirmed at the moment but chances are high that Kotchman will be sidelined due to his late poor performances.
“We’ll find a place for Russ Canzler at first to get him at-bats, The guy who probably will play less is Casey Kotchman,” Tribe’s skipper Acta said about Hafner’s arrival and who will move aside.
Kotchman is currently playing with a .227 hitting average along with 12 homers, 51 RBIs and .281 OBP.
Hafner on the other hand, with a .235 current hitting average along with 11 homers, 32 RBIs and .354 OBP is considered one of the most talented players in the league as well as in the Indians' roster.
His overall career hitting of .278 along with 200 homers, 692 RBIs and .381 OBP also makes him a good role player.
Meanwhile, speculations are on the rise that this particular season will be Hafner’s last and he might join another team in 2013 while some other inside sources believe that the Indians will exercise team options on him.
According to some experts, Hafner’s $13 million bargain is not a bad deal for the Indians or else they will go for a $2.75 million buyout.
On the other hand, for retaining Hafner, the Indians might sacrifice two or three of their low budget trades in the coming season.
Tags: