Indians eyeing quick recoveries for Swisher, Santana

CHICAGO -- Injured first baseman Nick Swisher was evaluated Wednesday in Cleveland by team doctors for his ailing knees. The good news is that the doctors confirmed there was no structural damage and that the issues to both of his knees appear to be related to wear and tear over a 10-year career more than anything else.

"There's some arthritic changes, which I think we knew," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "I mean, he can't play this long, so he got both knees injected and that puts him down, I think, three to five days, let that thing calm down. And then, I think, the initial view is that it won't be an extended DL. Hopefully, when this two weeks is up, he might be raring to go."

Swisher had been bothered by right knee problems for much of the season that eventually cleared up within the past two weeks. He said he may have been overcompensating with his left leg during that period of right knee issues, which could have led to him hyperextending his knee running out a ground ball in Monday's game.

Carlos Santana, who was placed on the seven-day concussion DL on Tuesday after taking a foul tip to the mask Sunday in Baltimore, was still with the team on Wednesday. He was a late scratch from Monday's lineup because he was feeling sick, which was only made worse by the concussion-like symptoms he was experiencing.

Francona said Santana wanted to drive home with his wife, who is with him in Chicago, but was not allowed to do so by the training staff for his own protection.

"It's not a penalty, we need him to follow with us," Francona said. "But I thought he actually looked better yesterday, which is good. I'm not an expert on concussions, other than that I've had a bundle.

"They will completely walk through what he's supposed to do. The last thing I wanted is go back there and nudge him. He'll play when he's allowed to play."