ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Cleveland right-hander Jake Westbrook was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday and is headed back to the disabled list because of a right elbow inflammation.
Manager Eric Wedge said after the Indians' 13-9 victory at Texas on Monday night that Westbrook would go back to Cleveland "to get it checked," including an MRI exam.The DL move will be retroactive to Thursday, the day after his last start.
Westbrook (1-2, 3.12 ERA) has been bothered by the elbow since his last appearance Wednesday, when he was activated from the DL before the game after being out since April 19 because of a strained left muscle in the rib area. He gave up three runs and five hits in five innings against the Chicago White Sox without a decision.
"Maybe he just needs some time," Wedge said. "We were still optimistic (Monday) that Jake would be OK."
The Indians will call up a pitcher from the minor leagues Tuesday, but Wedge said there was a possibility of starting somebody already with the team. He didn't announce who the starter would be.
Before the game against the Rangers, Indians trainer Lonnie Soloff said designated hitter Travis Hafner won't pick up a bat until later this week.
Hafner, who went on the disabled list Friday because of his sore right shoulder, is doing exercises to strengthen his shoulder and rotator cuff. But that doesn't include swinging a bat yet.
Hafner, hitting only .217 with four home runs, has been bothered by the shoulder since spring training. He hasn't played since May 24.
Right-hander Fausto Carmona (4-2, 3.10) is expected to play catch from 60 feet Tuesday, the first step in his rehabilitation from a left hip strain that has had him on the disabled list since May 24.
