CLEVELAND -- Outfielder Austin Jackson was activated from the disabled list before the Indians' game against the Angels at Progressive Field on Tuesday. Reliever Tyler Olson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
Jackson had been sidelined since June 27 with a left quad strain that he sustained while running the bases in a 4-0 loss to the Twins on June 25.
"It feels good," Jackson said. "I think any time you're on the DL and you go through the DL process and you're working your way toward getting back, once you're finally back, it's just kind of like a sigh of relief."
Jackson, who can play any outfield position, rejoins an outfield that now boasts five members, including Michael Brantley in left and Bradley Zimmer in center. In addition, Brandon Guyer is able to play left and right field, and Abraham Almonte is also able to play any position. Once Lonnie Chisenhall (strained right calf) is activated from the DL, the Indians will have six Major League-caliber outfielders on their hands, in addition to Tyler Naquin and Daniel Robertson, who are currently with Triple-A Columbus.
"The good thing I think, from an outfield standpoint, we have a lot of outfielders that we can mix in," Jackson said. "It's unfortunate that when one gets healthy, it seems like one gets hurt. But the good thing is that we do have a lot of guys that we are able to mix into those positions and play them on a regular basis. I think that's a good problem to have."
With Jackson's return and Olson's trip back to the Minors, the Indians have a six-man bullpen to go along with their current six-man starting rotation. It is likely, though, that one of the starters will eventually be moved to the bullpen once manager Terry Francona decides to move back to a five-man rotation.
"Well, one, we're certainly not going to stay like that, we know it," Francona said of using the six-man rotation. " ... Whenever we need it, we'll do it. If it's tomorrow, the next day, and then once our starters get through this next turn, we're not going to stay with six."
In 37 games in his first season with the Tribe, Jackson has been solid, hitting .304 with three homers, nine doubles and 15 RBIs. He was primarily used against left-handed pitchers, sharing a platoon role with Zimmer and the injured Chisenhall. Jackson also missed some time in May with a hyperextended left big toe.
Olson, who was recalled on Friday, appeared in two games for the Indians, pitching one inning, allowing one hit, hitting one batter and recording a strikeout.
Kipnis could play in rehab games soon
After taking batting practice on Monday, Jason Kipnis (strained right hamstring) ran the bases and took some ground balls on the field on Tuesday. Francona said that Kipnis is progressing along well with his injury, and could potentially play in a Minor League rehab game as early as this upcoming weekend.
"Kip went out and ran the bases today," Francona said. "He did really well. I'd say, there's not an outside chance, he could get into a game this weekend. That wouldn't be a shock. Not saying that's set in stone yet, but I don't think that's out of the realm of possibility."