Hafner may be out six weeks

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

On a much-needed day of rest, most of the Cleveland Indians took their swings on the fairways.

While many of his teammates played in the team’s charity golf outing, closer Chris Perez toured the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a few hours while designated hitter Travis Hafner visited another of the city’s famous institutions — the Cleveland Clinic.

Hafner underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Thursday and is expected to miss at least one month and possibly six weeks, leaving a sizeable hole in the middle of Cleveland’s lineup.

The slumping Indians could be without Hafner, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, until after the All-Star break. In the meantime, they’ll have to find someone to take his spot as a run producer.

“Hey, we can’t just throw our arms up,” manager Manny Acta said. “We have to move on and get on with it. Somebody needs to step up. More guys in the lineup need to do their thing.”

The Indians said Hafner underwent a 30-minute procedure performed by team physicians Dr. Rick Parker and Dr. Mark Schickendantz to clean up frayed cartilage in his knee, which first flared up in a May 23 game against the Tigers. Hafner, who will turn 35 on Sunday, is on the DL for the sixth time in his career.

Hafner is batting .242 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 39 games.

His injury is just one of several medical issues to slap the Indians this week. Catcher Carlos Santana is already on the seven-day DL with a concussion. His backup, Lou Marson, received stitches in his mouth after being hit by a pitch. And third baseman Jack Hannahan was placed on the DL earlier this week with a strained calf after being sidelined eight games with a sore back.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera just returned after missing three games with a tight hamstring.