Former Nationals infielder Anderson Hernandez promoted from Columbus.
Mark Grudzielanek didn't have an extra-base hit in his two months on the Indians' big-league roster, prior to being designated for assignment on Tuesday.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians' 2010 regular season. The Tribe plays the Red Sox tonight in the second of a four-game series at Progressive Field.
Pre-game notes:
Mark Grudzielanek was designated for assignment by the Indians on Tuesday afternoon. Utility infielder Anderson Hernandez, promoted from Class AAA Columbus, will take Grudzielanek's spot.
Grudzielanek is the second veteran jettisoned by the Indians in the last five days. Jamey Wright was designated for assignment over the weekend when the Indians were in Chicago to play the White Sox.
On Sunday, Grudzielanek started but left the game with a strained right hamstring. Manager Manny Acta said Grudzielanek was better Monday, but he did not play against Boston.
The Indians claimed Hernandez on waivers from the Mets in spring training. He was Acta's starting second baseman in Washington for the first half of last season. They needed to purchase his contract from Columbus because he was not on the 40-man roster.
Hernandez was hitting .234 (39-for-167) with four doubles, one homer and 17 RBI in 46 games at Columbus.
Grudzielanek, 39, batted .273 (30-for-110) with the Indians. All of his hits were singles. Arguably the hardest ball he hit all season was an out, Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson making a terrific running catch in the ninth inning June 2 at Detroit. Minutes later, Jason Donald grounded to first...and all heck broke loose.
Game 57
LINEUPS
Red Sox (34-25): SS Marco Scutaro (R), 2B Dustin Pedroia (R), C Victor Martinez (S), 1B Kevin Youkilis (R), DH David Ortiz (L), 3B Adrian Beltre (R), LF Bill Hall (R), CF Mike Cameron (R), RF Darnell McDonald (L) and RHP Tim Wakefield (1-4, 5.49)
Indians (21-35): CF Trevor Crowe (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), LF Austin Kearns (L), LF Austin Kearns (R), 3B Jhonny Peralta (R), 1B Russell Branyan (L), DH Shelley Duncan (R), 2B Luis Valbuena (R), C Lou Marson (R), SS Jason Donald (R) and LHP David Huff (2-6, 6.08).
Umpires: H Mike Everitt, 1B Todd Tichenor, 2B Andy Fletcher, 3B Adrian Johnson
Quote of the day: "I never worry about it (the knuckleball). I just take my three swings and go sit on the bench. I'm afraid if I even think about hitting it, I'll mess up my swing for life." -- former major leaguer Richie Allen, in the Baseball Almanac.
Next: RHP Clay Buchholz (8-3, 2.39) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (1-5, 5.46) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.