The Cleveland Indians expect third basemen Jack Hannahan to return sooner rather than later. More than that, they're hoping their expectations are true given his effectiveness this season and their lacking play without him in the lineup. Hannahan was originally sidelined with a sore lower back and when he returned, he hit the disabled list with a strained left calf on May 28.
Hannahan underwent some physical testing on Sunday, with manager Manny Acta saying that he'd need to pass them well for him to earn some rehab starts. Well, according to T.J. Zuppe of ESPN 850 on Twitter, Hannahan is set to begin his rehab:
#Indians 3B Jack Hannahan will begin a rehab tonight at Triple-A Columbus. (No really, I Promise).
— T.J. Zuppe (@TJZuppe) June 11, 2012
According to The Plain Dealer, Acta said that Hannahan would probably have to play four or five games with Columbus as his rehab. Hannahan was hitting .276 with six doubles, three homeruns and 18 runs batted in when he hit the disabled list, so his presence is definitely missed. The combination of Jose Lopez and Lonnie Chisenhall hasn't been very effective in his absence.
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