CLEVELAND -- With the possibility of being down to only one bench player, the Indians had to make a roster move before Sunday's game against the White Sox.
The Indians recalled outfielder Nyjer Morgan from Columbus and optioned pitcher Nick Hagadone. Morgan will bat leadoff today after Michael Bourn tweaked his left hamstring during the third inning of Saturday's game.
It is the third time in seven months that Bourn has had hamstring problems. It wasn't in the same spot as when he injured it during spring training but he did say it was in the same spot as when he first injured it last September against Minnesota. Bourn had to have offseason surgery on that but doesn't think it is as bad this time and is optimistic he could return in a couple days.
"You have a lot of scar tissue from surgery. I think we got it before it pulled anything," Bourn said. "I feel better and not as tight today. I just think it tightened up on me as I extended.
"The first year that I am coming back from that surgery is the hardest. You're trying to acclimate it to being in cold weather. It's part of the process and I think I'll be fine."
Jason Giambi, who had a right calf cramp during Saturday's game, is also day-to-day. There is a slight possibility he could be available on Sunday. It hasn't been a good week for the Indians as far as injuries. Jason Kipnis was placed on the disabled list due to a strained right oblique on Friday.
While there is some optimism that Bourn could be back in a couple days, the fact that the left hamstring continues to be an issue is a concern. With Josh Tomlin pitching on Tuesday against Minnesota, the Indians will have to make a roster move before that game.
"He's actually been running pretty well. He's not favoring it. He's going all out in the outfield diving and not holding back but he did feel it," said Francona about Bourn. "I'm glad he did say something and hopefully this is something that works through."
Morgan began the season on the Indians' roster and went 8 for 23 in nine games with three stolen bases and four runs scored. When Bourn was activated off the disabled list on April 15, Morgan was optioned to Columbus. After starting 6 of 41, Morgan was 6 for 19 with three doubles in the past four games.
"He did a great job all spring. It's not ideal for him getting sent down but you almost have to have guys like that. It may be up and down for him but it's good to have him," Francona said.
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