Indians activate C Carlos Santana from 7-day concussion DL; option INF Juan Diaz to Akron

DETROIT, MI  –  The Cleveland Indians today announced that the club has activated C Carlos Santana from Major League Baseball’s 7-day Disabled List for concussions. To make room on the 25-man roster, INF Juan Diaz has been optioned to Double-A Akron.

Santana, 26, was diagnosed with a mild concussion and placed on the 7-day DL on May 27 after being struck in the face mask with a foul ball during the Indians game on May 26 at Chicago-AL. The switch-hitting backstop is batting .245 (38-155) with 7 doubles, 5 home runs and 24 RBI through 43 games this season. At the time of his DL-placement, he ranked among A.L. leaders in walks (4th, 30), pitches-per-plate appearance (5th, 4.31) and on-base pct. (21st, .360). Santana, who will be in uniform for tonight’s game against the Detroit Tigers, has appeared in 36 games behind the plate (35 starts), throwing out 9-of-27 (33.3%) would-be base-stealers for the best percentage by any A.L. catcher. Santana became the first Indians player ever placed on MLB’s 7-day DL for concussions, which was established in partnership with the MLBPA prior to the 2011 season to prevent players from returning prematurely, while still giving clubs a full complement of players on the 25-man roster.

Diaz, 23, has appeared in 5 games with Cleveland since being recalled from Akron on May 25, all at shortstop with 4 starts, going 4-for-15 (.267) with 4 runs scored. The switch-hitting Diaz began the season on the Aeros Opening Day roster and has batted .232 (32-138) with 7 doubles, 3 HR and 18 RBI in 34 games, which includes a .333 (30-91) avg. and .849 OPS against right-handed pitching.