Stiff back keeps Hafner out of starting lineup

CLEVELAND -- Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner was out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins due to back stiffness. Hafner also missed Saturday's game against Detroit with the same injury after his back flared up during last Tuesday's game against the Royals.

Hafner turned in one of his best performances of the season in Sunday's 10-8 loss to the Tigers, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. It was Hafner's first three-RBI game since May 16 against the Mariners, and only his third of the season.

"He had a good game [Sunday], but his back is sore again today," Indians manager Manny Acta said Monday. "We'll give him the day off in order to have him for [Tuesday]."

Acta said Hafner has been working with a chiropractor, but team trainer Lonnie Soloff doesn't believe Hafner needs anything more than that. Hafner, who had knee surgery May 31 and missed more than a month, has played in only 60 games this season.