Bourn returns to Tribe; lefty Hagadone optioned
Indians outfielder, new father ready to get back to work against Royals
KANSAS CITY -- The Indians went undefeated while Michael Bourn was away from the team this week, but they will gladly welcome their center fielder and leadoff man back into the fold. After all, Bourn was only gone for two games.
On Wednesday, Cleveland activated Bourn from Major League Baseball's three-day paternity list and optioned left-handed reliever Nick Hagadone to Triple-A Columbus to clear room on the Tribe's active roster.
Bourn and his girlfriend welcomed a daughter, Blair, into their family.
"Everything is good, man. She's ready to take over the world," Bourn said. "I'm glad to be back and glad to play again."
In 56 games for the Indians this season, Bourn has hit .299 with two home runs, 12 doubles, one triple, 11 stolen bases, 15 RBIs and 33 runs.
Even after optioning Hagadone, the Indians have eight relievers in their bullpen, though only one lefty, Rich Hill. Hagadone has posted a 5.33 ERA in 28 relief appearances this season for Cleveland between four stints in the big leagues. The 27-year-old has also posted a 2.00 ERA in seven outings at Triple-A.
The Indians will need to make another roster move later this week to clear a spot on the roster for Triple-A Columbus right-hander Carlos Carrasco. Indians manager Terry Francona reiterated on Wednesday that the current plan is to recall Carrasco from Triple-A to start against the Tigers on Saturday in Cleveland.
"We've got to make another move Saturday for Carrasco," Francona said. "So obviously Nick was going to have to go at some point. Taking that into consideration, just to cover every single base, if [starter Scott Kazmir's] back did act up on him, we've got Joe [Martinez], who has been starting [in Triple-A]."