Major League Baseball

Swisher leaves camp after mother dies

Published Feb. 15, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

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Indians first baseman Nick Swisher has left the team's spring training camp following the death of his mother.

Swisher, who signed a four-year, $56 million free agent contract with the Indians this winter, returned to Columbus, Ohio, for the funeral. Swisher is expected to be back with the team on Saturday night.

Swisher will play first base this season for Cleveland, moving to the infield after the team signed free agent outfielder Michael Bourn earlier this week. Swisher spent the past four seasons playing mostly right field for the New York Yankees. He has played in 307 career games at first, posting a .994 fielding percentage. Swisher will also be used as the team's designated hitter, with Mark Reynolds playing first.

Swisher missed the Indians' first full-squad workout on Friday.

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