Swisher will have injured knee re-examined

CLEVELAND -- The Indians encouraged injured designated hitter Nick Swisher to seek a second opinion on his ailing right knee, and he is following suit.

Prior to Wednesday's doubleheader against the D-backs, Indians manager Terry Francona noted that Swisher is scheduled to have his knee examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Dr. ElAttrache is the Dodgers' team physician and specializes in shoulder, elbow and knee injuries.

"We'll know more then," Francona said.

The 33-year-old Swisher, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with pain in his right knee, was looked at by Dr. Rick Parker on Monday at the Cleveland Clinic. The Indians did not reveal the results of that first exam, but noted that Swisher was given permission to see another doctor before determining the next step in his recovery.

Cleveland has also not said whether surgery is under consideration.

"I think what we need to do is allow this process to kind of play itself out," Francona said on Tuesday. "With the ballclub's help and urging, he's going to get another opinion and we're trying to align that right now. When we have information that's solid -- and when and where and all that -- we will give it to you guys."

Through 97 games this season, Swisher has hit .208 with eight home runs, 20 doubles, 42 RBIs, 36 walks, 111 strikeouts and an uncharacteristically low .278 on-base percentage. Over the previous 10 seasons in the Majors, Swisher turned in a .255/.358/.462 slash line with at least 20 homers in each of the past nine years.