Travis Hafner News: Pro Sports Daily

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October 5

Akron Beacon Journal

"The Indians' lineup hasn't been nearly as robust since Travis Hafner was regularly hammering pitches into the seats in 2006. That was the year Hafner hit 42 home runs, amassed 117 RBI and batted .308. Then came the mysterious on-and-off slump of 2007 (.266, 24 HR, 100 RBI), followed by the injury-filled season of 2008, ending in October surgery to repair a shoulder injury. This season was spent regaining strength in the shoulder. When Hafner finally returned to the team for good in early June, he was required to rest the shoulder every three or four days, hindering his ability to recover his batting eye and his swing. ''I still think I got a lot out of this season,'' Hafner said. ''But to ..."

Rockies' Hawpe undergoes quiet transformation

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June 28

Denver Post

"Brad Hawpe has a head too small and a heart three sizes too big. He is the Rockies' best player this season, primed for his first all-star berth, but you'd never know it. That's because all he cares about is winning and helping teammates. He's weird like that. "When it all comes down to it, you want a guy who has your back and shows up ready to play," said Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, Hawpe's role model. "Brad always does that." Talk to Hawpe for a while, and you wonder if the interview should be aired in black and white. With a projector. Hawpe is simple in his life, old school in his values. Heck, he is 30, pulling down a $5.5 million salary this season, hitting a ridiculous .397 ..."

Hafner gives shoulder 'recovery day,' but expects full-time duty soon

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June 15

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner did not start Sunday night. Since being activated from the disabled list June 5 after rehabbing a sore right shoulder, Hafner has played two, sat one, played two, sat one and played two. "It's no cause for concern," he said. "We've determined that, for now, the shoulder needs a recovery day after every two games. Hopefully, that will change soon, but we need to build up to playing a number of games in a row. We're watching closely the volume of swings each day. All in all, everything feels pretty good.""

Hafner's homer lifts Tribe spirits

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June 6

Akron Beacon Journal

"It's easy to forget that Travis Hafner had four home runs before his sixth-inning drive cleared the right-field fence Friday night at U.S. Cellular Field. Hafner has been out of the Indians' lineup far more often than he has been in it this season, owing to a right-shoulder issue that was thought to be resolved in October, when he underwent surgery. But soreness in the shoulder - regarded by the Tribe medical staff as normal after such an operation - put Hafner on the disabled list for 37 days until he went deep Friday night and helped sink the Chicago White Sox 6-0. ''I just look at it as one at-bat, and I'm trying to hit the ball hard,'' Hafner said. ''I don't really care about my ..."

Hafner nearing return

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June 3

Akron Beacon Journal

"One day before the end of Travis Hafner's rehabilitation assignment at Columbus, Indians officials weren't certain what to expect from their designated hitter. Hafner left the Clippers and reported to Progressive Field, ''to get looked at and get treatment,'' manager Eric Wedge said. Wednesday night, he will make what is presumed to be his final appearance in the Columbus lineup, then join the Tribe at the Metrodome on Thursday. ''We'll look at him here, and if all goes well, he'll be with us for Friday,'' said Wedge, refraining from saying that Hafner is expected to be in the lineup, as if he might jinx the plan. Hafner has been on a roller-coaster ride since going on the disabled list ..."

Travis Hafner feels more pain and fatigue in right shoulder

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May 31

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians said in the middle of last week that Travis Hafner, whose rehab from a sore right shoulder was delayed when one of his "rib heads' popped loose and had to be put back in place, would play Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Class AAA Columbus and be activated Monday. You didn't for a minute think it would be that easy, did you? From the club that brought you Ernie Camacho hanging the bone chips that were removed from his right elbow in a plastic cup from the top of his locker just to prove to his detractors that he was really hurt, we bring you the Tales of Travis and his endless rehab. Manager Eric Wedge told reporters before Saturday's game that Hafner's right shoulder was sore ..."

Travis Hafner might return on Monday from disabled list

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May 28

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The players keep coming and going for the Indians, and there's no end in sight. The next big move will come when designated hitter Travis Hafner is scheduled to rejoin the Indians on Monday. He has to play three straight games with Class AAA Columbus today, Friday and Saturday to make that happen. "He took batting practice here today and Tuesday and looked good," said manager Eric Wedge. "His swing looked free and easy. If he can handle the volume of at bats for three days in a row, and all goes well, we'll have him back up here." Hafner's rehab assignment was interrupted Sunday at Columbus when he swung at a pitch and, in Hafner's words, "a rib head came out of place." A chiropractor was ..."

Hafner has minor setback during rehab

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May 26

MLB.com

"When Travis Hafner went on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder soreness on April 29, the Indians hoped he'd be ready to return by the time he was eligible to come off the DL on May 14. Nearly four weeks later, Hafner is still not ready to rejoin the Tribe. His rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus has been briefly interrupted by mid-back tightness he felt after three at-bats Sunday. But head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said the setback is not serious and that Hafner should be ready to resume his rehab by the end of the week after taking batting practice at Progressive Field on Tuesday and Wednesday. "He has a history of mid-back tightness during games," Soloff said. "He'll ..."

Hafner to be reevaluated over weekend

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May 20

MLB.com

"Indians manager Eric Wedge said designated hitter Travis Hafner is slowly progressing during his rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus, and the Tribe should know by this weekend when it'll have Hafner back in Cleveland. "He feels pretty good," Wedge said. "He's still trying to work his way back into his swing. He's not quite there yet, but he feels good." Hafner went on the disabled list on April 29th with a sore shoulder, and started his rehab assignment on Friday. Hafner is hitting .270 with four homers and eight RBIs in just 63 at-bats. Hafner went 3-for-5 on Monday against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre."

Hafner ready for rehabilitation

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May 14

Akron Beacon Journal

"Travis Hafner will test his right shoulder on a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Columbus starting Friday. Hafner has been on the disabled list since April 29 because of soreness in the shoulder that was surgically repaired in October. What is the timeline for Hafner's return to the active roster? ''He has to go out and play,'' manager Eric Wedge said. ''We'll find out how he handles that. He feels good, the soreness is gone. But we'll see how he deals with volume [of at-bats] before he comes back here.''"

Trainer says Hafner improving

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May 7

Akron Beacon Journal

"Travis Hafner and head trainer Lonnie Soloff returned from Monday's examination by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., with a positive prognosis for the Tribe designated hitter. ''The soreness that Travis experienced is not uncommon after the procedure that Dr. Andrews performed,'' Soloff said. ''He is optimistic that Travis can return to game activities when his 15 days [on the disabled list] are up or shortly thereafter.'' Hafner underwent an MRI scan in Cleveland before seeing Andrews, who used the tape to help reach his conclusions. After undergoing surgery to repair his shoulder in October, Hafner reported to spring training pain free. He remained that way until a few days before ..."

Hafner goes on DL with sore shoulder

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April 30

Akron Beacon Journal

"Travis Hafner's surgically repaired right shoulder has again become an issue for the Indians. Wednesday afternoon, Hafner was placed on the 15-day disabled list and will visit Birmingham, Ala., orthopedist James Andrews, probably on Monday. ''Hafner is having some soreness and a little fatigue in the shoulder,'' manager Eric Wedge said. ''We knew this could come up. It's not uncommon after surgery. We'll let it calm down. I don't think it's serious.'' Hafner lost virtually all of last season because of weakness in the shoulder and underwent surgery to clean out the area on Oct. 14. Wedge was unclear whether Hafner informed the club of the injury, or staffers took note that the designated ..."

Cleveland Indians put Travis Hafner on the disabled list

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April 29

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner's good start to the season took a turn for the worse today when he was placed on the disabled list with soreness and fatigue in his surgically repaired right shoulder. He's scheduled to visit Dr. James Andrews, who performed the Oct. 14 surgery, next week. The Indians activated left-hander Rich Rundles to temporarily take Hafner's spot on the roster for tonight's game against Boston. The Indians' bullpen pitched seven innings in Tuesday's 9-8 victory over Boston. The Tribe now has a 14-man pitching staff, including nine relievers. Manager Eric Wedge indicated that Rundles would only be with the club for tonight's game. Wedge added that they were going to make some moves on ..."

UPDATE: Indians put Hafner on DL

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April 29

Akron Beacon Journal

"The Indians put designated hitter Travis Hafner on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder soreness today. He played in 17 games and is hitting .270 (17-63) with 10 runs scored, five doubles, four home runs and eight RBI. ''He's been having some soreness and a little fatigue,'' Indians manager Eric Wedge told the Associated Press. ''We've noticed it in his swing the last three or four days. We don't think it's anything serious.'' Hafner played in only 57 games last season (198 at-bats) due to problems with the same shoulder. Hafner will visit Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery, next week in Birmingham, Ala."

Cleveland Indians put Travis Hafner on the disabled list; go with 14-man pitching staff

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April 29

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner's good start to the season took a turn for the worse today when he was placed on the disabled list with soreness and fatigue in his surgically repaired right shoulder. The Indians activated left-hander Rich Rundles to temporarily take Hafner's spot on the roster for tonight's game against Boston. The Indians' bullpen pitched seven innings in Tuesday's 9-8 victory over Boston. The Tribe now has a 14-man pitching staff, including nine relievers. Manager Eric Wedge indicated that Rundles would only be with the club for tonight's game. Wedge added that they could make multiple moves on Thursday's off day to reshape the roster before starting a seven-game trip to Detroit, Toronto ..."

Travis Hafner's comeback for the Cleveland Indians may be a race against time

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April 10

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner proved on his 12th at-bat of the season that his first 11 at-bats meant little. The left-handed hitter pulled a home run off Rangers southpaw Eddie Guardado in the ninth inning of the Indians' 12-8 loss at Texas on Thursday. Hafner, trying to bounce back from a miserable, injury-riddled 2008 season, had singled in four at bats in each of Cleveland's first two games, and he was 0-for-3 Thursday before connecting off Guardado, who does not throw very hard these days. Those first 11 ABs could not be considered a trend. Neither, unfortunately, does Hafner's homer mean he will inevitably regain the power stroke that made him one of baseball's most feared hitters during the ..."

Hafner hits second homer

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April 2

Akron Beacon Journal

"It took Travis Hafner until Monday to knock a ball over a fence in fair territory. But he did it again Wednesday, hitting his second home run of the exhibition season, as the Indians and Mariners played to a 14-14 tie at Peoria Stadium. Hafner singled twice in addition to whacking the homer, and in his past five games he is 9-for-22 to lift his average from .143 to .260. ''His approach has been getting better,'' manager Eric Wedge said. ''Hitting that slider out was a good sign. Today is as good as we've seen him all spring.'' Hafner is coming off shoulder surgery and had been struggling to get his timing down and his swing back to normal. Hitting was the name of the game for both teams, ..."

Travis Hafner hits second home run in two days

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April 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"There are three exhibition games left. The season opens Monday and several of the Indians hitters look ready to start playing for real. Travis Hafner, on a slow track all spring following right shoulder surgery, hit his second homer in as many games Wednesday. He went 3-for-6 with two RBI as the Indians and Mariners played to a 14-14 nine-inning tie. Hafner pulled his homer, a low slider from Seattle's Opening Day starter, Felix Her nandez, over the right- field fence in the third inning. It's one of the few times he's pulled a ball in the air with authority this spring. "For him to go down and scoop that slider out was a good sign," said manager Eric Wedge. Hafner singled to left in ..."

Indians officials pleased with designated hitter Travis Hafner's progress

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March 17

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner, on March 10, hit two hard singles in his first two at-bats in a game against the Los Angeles Angels. He hasn't hit a ball that sharply since as he continues his comeback from right shoulder surgery. The opposition isn't making it easy on Pronk. Seattle used the infield shift against Hafner in Monday's 4-1 Cleveland victory. He grounded out to deep second in the first inning and flied out to semi-deep center field in the fourth. It's the first time Hafner has driven a ball during a game to the deep part of the outfield. Hafner walked in the sixth then hit into a double play in the ninth. "He's still working his way back," said manager Eric Wedge. "He had four at-bats today, ..."

Travis Hafner feels free again

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February 23

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner emerged from the tunnels Sunday morning to take batting practice under a cloudy but endless Arizona sky. It was the first time he's been in a normal spring-training hitting environment since he reported to Goodyear in January. To some, hitting 50 mph to 60 mph fastballs from coach Danny Williams might not seem like much, but to Hafner and the Indians it was a big step in his return to the lineup. During last season, Hafner's right shoulder hurt so badly that the smallest movement would set it afire. If he went out to dinner, and reached for the salt and pepper shakers, or cut his steak, Hafner said the shoulder would start "burning." Don't worry, he didn't starve. "I ..."

Indians DH Hafner to visit specialist before deciding on surgery

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October 13

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Designated hitter Travis Hafner will visit noted orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews today in Birmingham, Ala., to get what could be a final decision on whether surgery is needed on his right shoulder. Hafner, according to sources, has already been examined by at least two doctors since the end of the season to try and determine why the strength in his right shoulder has not returned to normal. He spent over three months rehabbing it on the disabled list during the just completed season. Last week GM Mark Shapiro said the team was examining other options besides rehab after an end-of-the-season physical showed Hafner's shoulder strength was not what the Indians expected.

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Cleveland Indians DH Hafner likely headed for surgery

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October 7

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Designated hitter Travis Hafner appears to be headed for surgery on his ailing right shoulder. The shoulder injury kept Hafner on the disabled list from May 30 through Sept. 9 of this past season. "Travis' end of the season physical did not end up where we thought it would end up," said General Manager Mark Shapiro during his end-of-the-season address to the media today. "The strength in his right shoulder was not what we thought it would be. Right now, Travis is examining the alternatives." Shapiro said Lonnie Soloff, the Indians' head athletic trainer, will give anon Hafner's condition on Monday. Shapiro added that one of the alternatives Hafner is looking at is arthroscopic surgery. ..."

Hafner gets back into the swing of things

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August 15

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Pronk visited Pronkville. No, he didn't walk up to the second deck in right field at Progressive Field and dust off a seat. Travis Hafner actually hit a ball up there. It wasn't in a game and first base coach Luis Rivera threw the pitch, but the way this season has gone for Hafner, he'll take it. Hafner, who has been on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder since May 30, took batting practice on the field Thursday afternoon for the first time since his injury. When he hit the ball into the second deck with a smooth, fluid swing, hitting coach Derek Shelton, standing on the side of the batting cage, cracked a joke. Hafner laughed and dropped his bat. "I told Shelton, 'I'm ..."

Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner says injured shoulder is slowly improving

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July 11

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner said his injured right shoulder is getting better. That's about the best news the Indians have had of late. The Tribe's designated hitter, out with the shoulder strain since May 26, said the strength is gradually coming back and he looks to start swinging a bat in a couple of weeks. He put the shoulder at 50 percent. "It's been a slow process," said Hafner, who was hitting .217 in 157 at-bats, with four home runs and 22 RBI. "For three or four weeks, there was no progress. But the last couple of weeks it's started to come around.""

Tribe's trainer elaborates on injuries

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June 29

Akron Beacon Journal

"Head trainer Lonnie Soloff expanded on manager Eric Wedge's answers Friday concerning the progress of Fausto Carmona, on the disabled list with a strained hip, and Travis Hafner, who is sidelined with weakness in his right shoulder. Carmona played catch for the second day in a row Saturday, from 75 feet rather than 60, and expects to throw from 105 feet on Monday. ''Fausto is tentatively scheduled to throw his first bullpen with the team Saturday in Minnesota,'' Soloff said. ''Until then, he'll stay here and fly to Minneapolis on Friday.'' Carmona was able to begin running on Thursday. Soloff explained that Hafner's injured shoulder is 5 percent to 15 percent stronger than when it ..."

Indians trainer convinced Hafner will return this season

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June 29

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer, is certain designated hitter Travis Hafner will return to the lineup sometime this season. "There's no doubt in my mind," Soloff said. When that will be is trickier to predict. Hafner has been on the disabled list since May 30 with a right shoulder strain. When the Indians took a serious look at Hafner's shoulder after he'd been placed on the disabled list, Soloff said the strength was down to 40 percent. Tests on Friday said it's back to 45 to 50 percent when compared to his left shoulder. Hafner's shoulder will be tested again Friday."

Hafner told to continue strengthening program

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June 20

Akron Beacon Journal

"Travis Hafner (weak shoulder) returned to Cleveland from Birmingham, Ala., where he was examined by Dr. James Andrews. The noted orthopedist agreed with team doctors that Hafner's program to strengthen the rotator cuff and the shoulder girdle should be continued and his progress checked every seven to 10 days. In other words, there is no way to know when Hafner will return to the field."

Travis Hafner's shoulder will take time to recover

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June 16

Akron Beacon Journal

"Travis Hafner (shoulder weakness) took a few swings off a tee Sunday, but his progress at strengthening his right shoulder continues to be slow. ''It's still going to take some time,'' manager Eric Wedge said. ''We've been trying to strengthen it for a couple of weeks. It's a little better, but not to send him out on a rehab assignment.'' Wedge had hoped that Hafner could get at-bats at Buffalo or Akron this week when the Tribe visits Colorado and Los Angeles. ''I don't think that's going to happen,'' the manager said."

Hafner sent home to heal

May 31

Akron Beacon Journal

"It was a brief trip for Travis Hafner. The Indians' designated hitter flew here with his teammates from Cleveland on Thursday night, took some swings in early batting practice Friday and was on a jet back to Northeast Ohio by late afternoon. Hafner will spend all of the Tribe's 11-day journey to Kansas City, Texas and Detroit on the 15-day disabled list. He was placed on the disabled list retroactive to Monday, which means the earliest he can be activated is June 10."

Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner on DL with sore shoulder

May 31

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The cortisone shot didn't work. Now the Indians will try rest. Should that not bring Travis Hafner's sore right shoulder around, perhaps the Indians will have to raise the white flag on a season that keeps getting worse the deeper they get into it... "Travis is obviously not ready to play right now, and we're hoping the DL stint will help him," Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said. "We feel like the additional time on the DL will help strengthen the shoulder.""

Indians DH Travis Hafner gets cortisone shot to help play Friday

May 29

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Travis Hafner, 6-4, 240 pounds, is afraid of needles. "Scared to death of them," Hafner said. So he turned his head when he received a cortisone shot in the back of the right shoulder Tuesday that might allow him to play Friday when the Indians open a three-game series against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo."

Sore shoulder grounds Hafner

May 28

Akron Beacon Journal

"Travis Hafner has more to worry about than a .217 batting average. The Indians' designated hitter has a sore right shoulder that will keep him out of at least three games this week. ''We're really trying to take this day by day,'' manager Eric Wedge said Tuesday. ''If it lingers, we'll have to consider the disabled list. Some days, he feels better than others. It has not been a big issue, but it flared up again recently.'' Again?"

Sore shoulder downs Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner for two more games

May 28

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"If the Indians put Travis Hafner on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder, at least they'll have an excuse for his .217 batting average. After revealing Monday night Hafner didn't start against the White Sox because of a sore right shoulder, manager Eric Wedge announced that Hafner would miss Tuesday and today's games against first-place Chicago. After Thursday's off-day, Wedge said the Indians will have a better idea if he has to go on the disabled list."

Travis Hafner No Fan Of Interleague Games

May 20

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians first taste of interleague play this season caused indigestion over the weekend in Cincinnati. They don't partake again until a 15-game stretch against the National League beginning June 13 when San Diego visits Progressive Field. Designated hitter Travis Hafner is not complaining. "I hate interleague games," Hafner said. "I miss playing.""