"Pronk is back.

The offensively challenged Indians activated designated hitter Travis Hafner from the disabled Friday afternoon and optioned Travis Buck to Class AAA Columbus.

Hafner batted cleanup Friday night as the Tribe opened a three-game series against the surprising Pirates at Progressive Field. He was 1-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk.

Hafner suffered a strained right oblique May 18 in Chicago. He felt pain during a batting practice swing as the Tribe prepared to play the White Sox. He was placed on the 15-day DL on May 20 (retroactive to May 18).

At the time of the injury, Hafner was hitting .345 (39-for-113) with eight doubles, five homers and 22 RBI in 32 games.

Hafner's rehabilitation assignment consisted of games for Class AA Akron on Tuesday and Thursday, in which he went a combined 3-for-6. He took batting practice each afternoon and swung free and easy.

The original plan had been for Hafner to play one more game in Akron on Friday and, if all went well, be activated Sunday.

"I wanted to be in Cleveland as soon as possible, and I was pushing for that," he said. "I woke up (Friday) and felt pretty good. I'm ready to go.""