Tribe activates Shin-Soo Choo, puts Aaron Laffey on DL: Cleveland Indians Insider

Choo has recovered from a sprained right thumb, while Laffey is taking time to rest an ailing shoulder.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Indians activated right fielder Shin-Soo Choo on Friday and placed lefty Aaron Laffey on the 15-day disabled list.

Laffey has shoulder fatigue. His DL stint is retroactive to Tuesday.

Choo sprained his right thumb attempting to make a diving catch July 3 against Oakland. He was placed on the disabled list the next day. It was initially feared he might be sidelined 6-8 weeks because of a torn ligament.

"I really missed playing baseball," Choo said. "The times I watched from the dugout, or watched games on TV, were tough. I couldn't help with anything.

"The thumb is not like normal, but it feels good. I'm just hoping to get through the rest of the season without any problems."

Choo batted third Friday night as the Indians faced Tampa Bay in the opener of a three-game series. Entering the game, he was hitting .286 (86-for-301) with 48 runs, 14 doubles, two triples, 13 homers and 43 RBI in 78 games. He had 12 steals and ranked among American League leaders in walks (48), on-base percentage (.390) and outfield assists (six).

"He's another threat in our lineup, and he does more than just hit," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He's multi-talented."

Acta said no restrictions have been placed on Choo.

In three rehab games for Class AA Akron beginning Monday, Choo was 1-for-11 with a run.

"My first couple of at-bats, I thought about the thumb and tried to swing easy," he said. "After that, it was fine. I got comfortable."

Choo batting third means catcher Carlos Santana moves into the cleanup spot. Santana batted third in his previous 35 starts (31 catcher, four DH) since being promoted from Class AAA Columbus last month.

Both of Choo's thumbs were tested immediately. On the fourth pitch of Friday's game, Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist hit a long fly that Choo caught just before banging into the wall. Choo stayed briefly on the track and flexed his left hand, and returned to his position.

Laffey is 2-3 with a 4.62 ERA in 25 games, including five starts. In 50 2/3 innings, he has allowed 57 hits, walked 28 and struck out 27. Since moving to the rotation June 25, he is 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA.

In Laffey's most recent start, Monday at Minnesota, he earned the victory. He gave up one unearned run on five hits in five innings. But he did it with rabbits and top hats, the velocity of his fastball having dipped into the mid-80s.

Acta said an MRI scan on Laffey's shoulder was "good."

The Indians need to fill Laffey's rotation spot beginning Tuesday against the Yankees. Acta did not want to speculate on candidates. Among those likely to be considered are Columbus righties Carlos Carrasco and Jeanmar Gomez and lefty David Huff.

Carrasco is dealing with a right-forearm issue.

"He's still under evaluation," Acta said. "After he throws on the side, we'll know more."

Gomez made a spot-start Sunday against Detroit and pitched superbly. He allowed two unearned runs in seven innings and earned the victory in his major-league debut.

Huff led the Indians with 11 victories last season. He broke camp with the club, struggled and was sent down June 21.

Crowe's nest: Trevor Crowe played left field and batted eighth Friday. Austin Kearns, listed as day to day because of right knee soreness, participated in batting practice and was available off the bench.

"Austin is doing much better," Acta said.

Minor-leaguer suspended: Pitcher Luis Morel was one of five minor-leaguers suspended for positive drug tests under baseball's minor-league program, the Associated Press reported.

Morel, with Cleveland's Arizona Rookie League team, was penalized 50 games. He tested for metabolites of Stanozolol, according to the AP.

Others suspended were Washington pitchers Juan Diaz and Jorge Hernandez; and Florida Marlins pitchers Yeims Mendoza and Andy Parra.

Finally: Mentor native Caleb Potter, Ohio's participant in the Pitch, Hit and Run national competition held at the All-Star Game, attended Friday's game. Potter finished first in the 13-14 age group.