Nick Swisher, Zach Walters to begin rehab assignments
The Indians are in an offensive rut and they need all the help they can get to escape it.
Thankfully, reinforcements are on the way as outfielder Nick Swisher and infielder Zach Walters will begin minor-league rehab assignments this week, according to Northeast Ohio Media Group.
Before Monday's game at U.S. Cellular Field, general manager Chris Antonetti told reporters that Swisher, who began the season on the 15-day disabled list as he continues to recover from double knee surgery, will report to Triple-A Columbus in the next few days to begin his rehab assignment. The team later announced that Walters, who is recovering from an oblique injury, would join Swisher in Columbus some time this week.
"We've been encouraged by their progress," Antonetti told reporters. "They're ready for the next phase of their rehab."
Upon his return to Cleveland, Swisher is expected to plain mainly in the outfield, as it puts less strain on his knees than when he plays first base, where he spent the bulk of his time last season.
It's unclear if Walters will be called up to play in Cleveland or will remain in Columbus, as he has two minor-league options left.
The Indians are currently hitting .221 as a team and averaging 3.2 runs per game, so the addition of Swisher and possibly Walters could be a welcomed change.
"When you look up and down the lineup and see how we've produced individually and collectively, we all feel we'll be better than we are right now," said Antonetti. "Now we need to continue to work to make that happen."
(h/t Northeast Ohio Media Group)
