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Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera Placed on DL

By Brad Rowland

May 30, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) turns a double play over Cincinnati Reds shortstop Cesar Izturis (3) in the third inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) turns a double play over Cincinnati Reds shortstop Cesar Izturis (3) in the third inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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After All-Star SS Asdrubal Cabrera hobbled off the field (with help) on Monday after running to 1st base, it was considered likely that the injury would require a stint on the disabled list.

On Tuesday, that became a reality.

Cabrera was officially placed on the 15-day DL with a diagnosed strained right quadriceps, and there is no set timetable for his return at this point. At the time of the injury, Cabrera had been mildly “struggling”, having posted only a .254/.311/.434 slash line with 5 home runs and 5 steals on the season. However, he has been an All-Star in the American League during each of the past two seasons, and Cabrera is considered to be on the short list of best shortstops in the game.

Minor-league SS Juan Diaz has been recalled from Triple-A Columbus, but all signs point to everyday playing time for veteran utility man Mike Aviles at shortstop. Aviles has a .283/.310/.425 slash line in 110 plate appearances this season, but has nearly 2,000 MLB PA’s, and with an OPS of over .700, he can be a valuable player in the short-term.

For Cleveland, it will be important to get a healthy Cabrera back into the lineup as soon as possible. As of June 4th, the Indians are 30-27, but, despite that mediocre record, only trail the Tigers by 1 game in the AL Central race. It is highly fortunate that Cleveland employs a real, live option in Aviles, but the drop-off is significant, and if they are to close that gap with a Tigers team that most experts expect to play better, they will need the All-Star version of Cabrera sooner rather than later.

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