CHICAGO -- As Boone Logan considers his options after getting a second opinion on his strained left lat muscle, the Indians are exploring the trade market for left-handed relievers.
Prior to Friday's game against the White Sox, Indians manager Terry Francona noted that Logan -- injured during an outing against the Giants on July 19 -- is contemplating his next step, which could be surgery. With Logan on the disabled list and potentially done for the year, Cleveland has discussed the asking price for Tigers lefty Justin Wilson, according to a report by ESPN.
Francona said losing Logan was a tough blow to the Tribe's relief corps, which includes lefty relief ace Andrew Miller. The Indians use Miller as a leverage weapon in the later innings, and leaned on Logan as a lefty specialist in earlier situations.
"In the sixth or seventh, we went and got the lefty, and it was a good lefty," Francona said. "When you have two and they're reliable, when you lose that one [it's tough]. Fortunately, we have other guys that have done really well. But, it would be nice to have that second lefty, if possible. I don't think you ever just want to have the second lefty to say you have it. I think it can almost cause more trouble than help."
When Logan landed on the 10-day DL on July 20, the Indians called up lefty Tyler Olson from Triple-A Columbus, but a roster crunch led to him being optioned back Tuesday. Francona said the Indians have been impressed with Olson since spring, but the lefty is required to remain in the Minors for a minimum of 10 days, barring an injury in the Majors.
"We'd like to get him back at some point," Francona said.
Through 41 appearances with Detroit, Wilson has a 2.75 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 16 walks in 39 1/3 innings, and has a handful of reported suitors as Monday's non-waiver Trade Deadline looms. Another left-handed reliever drawing interest is Padres lefty Brad Hand, who has a 2.04 ERA with 69 strikeouts against 14 walks in 53 innings (48 games).
Kipnis, Chisenhall making progress
Second baseman Jason Kipnis (on the 10-day DL with a right hamstring strain) is scheduled to begin a Minor League rehab assignment. Kipnis is slated to serve as the designated hitter for Triple-A Columbus on Saturday before advancing back to second base on Sunday, if all goes well. Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (10-day DL, right calf strain) is still doing sprint work and is expected to be cleared to resume running the bases soon.