Hafner misses another game, expects to return soon

BALTIMORE (AP) — Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner missed a second straight game Sunday because of an injured left shoulder, but expects a quick return to the lineup.

Hafner is set for a precautionary exam today in Cleveland. It’s an off-day for the Indians, and they’ll start a series Tuesday at Detroit.

“Hopefully, it will feel a lot better on Monday,” Hafner said before the Indians concluded a four-game series against Baltimore. “I expect to be playing on Tuesday.”

“I’m just going to get it scanned just to make sure everything is OK,” he said. “We’re going to see if we can get it taken care of with an extra day’s rest.”

Indians manager Eric Wedge said, “I don’t think it’s anything too serious.”

Hafner had offseason surgery on his right shoulder and has played in only 72 games this season, with 13 home runs and 38 RBIs.

Although he wants to finish strong, Hafner is eager to spend the winter getting ready for the 2010 season rather than recovering from another operation.

“There is still a lot I can get out of this season,” Hafner said. “It will be nice to have a full offseason. I think that would be really beneficial. I haven’t had a full offseason in a while.”