Bourn could return for weekend set vs. Orioles

CLEVELAND -- The Indians' injury-depleted outfield might have help coming this weekend.

On Tuesday, manager Terry Francona indicated that sidelined center fielder Michael Bourn might be cleared to rejoin the team at some point during the upcoming weekend series against the Orioles. Bourn was slated to continue his Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday night.

"Bourny is doing really well," Francona said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he plays for us this weekend. We've just got to sit with Bourny and figure out how to get him to this weekend, just because we have a day off on Thursday, and having him sitting for a couple days might not make sense.

"So we'll sit with him and kind of figure out the best way to get him back here where he feels good about himself, and also has as many at-bats as he can get without having too many, because he's not ready to quite play every day."

Bourn has been on the disabled list since July 6 with a left hamstring injury, marking his third setback with the leg this season. Through his first three Minor League rehab appearances, he has gone 1-for-14 at the plate between stops with Double-A Akron (two games) and Columbus.

In 66 games this season, Bourn is hitting .267 with three home runs, nine doubles, seven triples, seven stolen bases, 21 RBIs and 37 runs scored. Cleveland signed the center fielder to a four-year deal worth $48 million prior to last season.