Tribe sends Escobar to Buffalo

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Indians finally ran out of patience with Alex Escobar.
The free-swinging outfielder was sent back to the minor leagues on Saturday when Cleveland brought up pitcher Scott Elarton to start against the Cincinnati Reds.
It's another setback for Escobar, once considered one of baseball's top prospects.
"It was a tough decision," manager Eric Wedge said diplomatically. "He never got to the point where he was driving the ball consistently and that's what we need up here."
Escobar was batting just .211 (32-for-152) with one home run and 12 RBIs in 46 games. Before being sent down to Triple-A Buffalo, he was 7-for-55 (.127) since May 18 with three extra-base hits and one RBI.
The Indians are hoping that by playing every day for the Bisons, Escobar will get his swing back. Meanwhile, he blew a chance to solidify a spot in their starting outfield.
He missed the entire 2002 season after tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament during spring training. He battled back after surgery and played in 28 games for the Indians last season.