Struggling Indians Put Shin-Soo Choo on Disabled List

As if things weren't bleak enough in Cleveland this year, the Indians had to put outfielder Shin-Soo Choo on the disabled list Sunday, retroactive to Saturday.

Choo was considered the top candidate to represent the Indians in the All-Star Game before spraining his right wrist diving for a ball in the eighth inning of Friday's game against Oakland.

An MRI disclosed considerable damage, and the Indians may be looking at surgery for Choo, who was hitting .286 with 13 homers and 48 RBI before he got hurt,, which likely would mean he wouldn't be back until September.

"It's obviously more serious than we thought,'' Indians manager Manny Acta told MLB.com. "When something like that happens, you think it's only going to be a day or two. He didn't feel much pain Saturday.

"We don't know if it's season-ending yet, but surgery is possible. If he does come back, it could be the last month of the season.''

Share Already this year the Indians have had to deal with center fielder Grady Sizemore being out for the season after having early June surgery on his left knee and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, out since May 17, missing until at least the end of the month with a fractured left forearm.

"I've dealt with injuries before in this job, but this is kind of weird, because those are our three best players,'' Acta said. "Nobody is feeling sorry for us. Other guys have to step it up. Now, we don't have to wait until Spring Training to see what these guys can do. It will give us more clarity.''

The Indians promoted outfielder Michael Brantley from Triple-A Columbus Sunday to take Choo's spot on the roster. He will play center field, Acta said, and will be the team's leadoff hitter.