Major League Baseball

Indians' Buck, wife get in taxi crash

Published Jun. 10, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Cleveland Indians outfielder Travis Buck and his wife were shaken up in a taxi crash Friday and sent to the hospital as a precaution.

Indians manager Manny Acta said Buck was slated to start at designated hitter Friday night against the New York Yankees. But in the morning, Buck and his wife were riding in a taxi in Manhattan when it was involved in a minor accident.

Buck came to Yankee Stadium and Cleveland's training staff advised him and his wife to go to the hospital. Acta said Buck had ''a little bit of whiplash'' and was ''a little dazed.''

The outfielder returned to the ballpark before Friday night's game and was available off the bench, the Indians said.

Cord Phelps replaced Buck at DH. The rookie was called up Wednesday from Triple-A Columbus.

Buck is batting .256 with two homers and eight RBIs.

In other news, injured designated hitter Travis Hafner took batting practice on the field for the first time since he strained a muscle on his right side May 18.

''He swung the bat really good,'' Acta said. ''It was very good to see. He was very effortless, and he was right on time. He also ran the bases and looked good.''

Acta said Hafner would hit again Sunday and probably Monday, and if all goes well the Indians then will decide about a minor league rehab assignment.

''Got to get through Monday first,'' Acta said. ''I absolutely think he's going to need some games. I mean, he's been out for too long to throw him out there.''

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