Making progress after suffering a concussion last week, Cleveland Indians catcher Carlos Santana is already taking batting practice and is expected in the lineup next week by manager Manny Acta according to the Associated Press' Tom Withers:
#Indians manager Manny Acta said C Carlos Santana took batting practice and is making progress as he recovers from concussion.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 1, 2012
Santana will catch bullpen session on Saturday and expected back in lineup "next week." Santana is on MLB's new 7-day concussion list.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 1, 2012
The third-year catcher is hitting .245 with five home runs and 24 RBI over 43 games this year with the Indians, and remains one of of the sport's brightest young stars behind the plate. Aside from a noticeable dip in his slugging percentage (currently at .387 after posting a .457 last season), Santana continues to develop into the middle-of-the-order power threat that many thought he would become after entering league to heavy fanfare in 2010.
For more on the Indians, head over to Let's Go Tribe. For more MLB news and expert analysis, be sure to check out Baseball Nation.