Hannahan’s three hits help Indians win in 16

September 1, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Combined dispatches

CLEVELAND

Jack Hannahan’s single with one out in the 16th inning scored pinch-runner Cord Phelps from second base and gave Cleveland a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night, moving the Indians back into second place in the AL Central.

Jim Thome singled with one out off Josh Outman (3-4), the A’s eighth pitcher, and was replaced by Phelps. Carlos Santana lined a single to center before Hannahan, who hit two solo homers, singled to right. Phelps never slowed and was able to slip headfirst under the tag of catcher Kurt Suzuki.

The Indians, who won for the 17th time in their last at-bat at home and jumped Chicago in the division, stayed 51/2 games behind first-place Detroit.

Frank Herrmann (4-0), Cleveland’s sixth pitcher, worked four perfect innings.

HAFNER PROGNOSIS GOOD

Travis Hafner was not at his locker before Wednesday night’s game against Oakland. In his place, was a large gray and white plastic walking boot.

If you’re into signs, this doesn’t seem like a good one regarding the chances of Pronk returning to the lineup sometime in the season’s final month. Hafner was placed on the disabled list after injuring his right foot trying to leg out a double against Detroit on Aug. 21. There was talk the foot, which has hampered Hafner since late April, would need surgery.

So much for signs and talk.

Hafner and head trainer Lonnie Soloff returned Wednesday from visiting an out-of-state doctor who treats NFL players. The news was good.

“We got some encouraging news,” said manager Manny Acta. “It looks like he’ll be able to join our club and play again this year. There’s no timetable, but that’s encouraging news.”

Outfielder Michael Brantley underwent surgery on Wednesday to remove his hamate bone from his right hand. Dr. Thomas Graham did the operation at Cleveland Clinic.

Brantley will miss the rest of the season.