Indians place Raburn on bereavement list

CLEVELAND -- The Indians placed outfielder Ryan Raburn on the bereavement list and recalled utility man Zach Walters from Triple-A Columbus prior to Tuesday's series opener against the Yankees.

Raburn, who experienced a death in the family, can remain on the bereavement list for a maximum of three days.

This will be Walters' third stint with the Indians this season. In 27 plate appearances with the club, Walters has hit just .148 without a walk or a home run. He hit 10 home runs in 137 plate appearances between Cleveland and the Nationals at the Major League level last season.

The Indians are still searching for a position for the switch-hitter, as he's appeared at five positions for Triple-A Columbus, playing 28 games in left field, 18 at third base, 10 at first base, five at second base and four at shortstop.

"I think there's still some challenges at times, but I think we kind of knew that," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "What Zach has going for him is he's got so much power in that bat that, if he can find that way to get more consistent, then all of a sudden it's like you're trying to find a place for him to play. That happens so often. When guys hit the ball out of the ballpark, you'll figure out a place to put them somewhere."

According to Francona, Walters feels most comfortable at second base, but he hasn't had the opportunity to play there very often this season due to the construction of the roster.

Worth noting:

• Right-hander Josh Tomlin will be the Indians' starter for Saturday's game in Minnesota. The team needs a fifth starter after Cody Anderson was placed on the disabled list Aug. 8 with a left oblique strain. Tomlin has been sidelined since Spring Training after undergoing an arthroscopic debridement of the AC joint in his right shoulder on April 8. He made 16 starts with the club last season, posting a 4.53 ERA with a 4.00 Fielding Independent Pitching mark. Tomlin missed most of the 2013 season after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

• All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis is doing well as he works his way back from right shoulder inflammation that sent him to the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 3. It's possible that Kipnis could return from the disabled list on Monday in Boston. Once activated, Kipnis may serve as the designated hitter for a couple games before returning to the field. A rehab assignment will likely not be necessary.