Pronk Needs to Keep With It

Sounds like Pronk's second opinion on his ailing shoulder was quite a bit like the first one.

The doc said he probably wouldn't need surgery, but should get his shoulder examined again in 7-10 days.

Click here to read the AP story.

Pronk's Return Nixed

Travis Hafner's return has been put off, and the Cleveland Indians' slugger now has a date with a surgeon in Alabama. This is definitely not a good development for the Sykeston, ND, native.

Apparently surgery is an 'unlikely' option, according to an MLB story, but the surgeon will evaluate what needs to be done next to speed up Hafner's recovery.

He has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 30 and had been projected to rejoin the Tribe this week.

To give the full MLB story a read, click here.


Cleveland added another bat to their AAA lineup on Tuesday, acquiring Morgan Ensberg who had been designated for assignment by the Yankees. Ensberg can play either first or third base and might be an option to DH.

Pronk Swinging a Bat Again

Sounds like Travis Hafner is able to swing a bat again after taking a bit of time off to let his aching shoulder heal up a bit. Definitely a good sign, but how good of one really remains to be seen.

Click here to read the story from MLB.com.

Pronk Hoping For Return Friday

The Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner has been out of the lineup for a couple of days, but it looks as though there is a chance he could return soon.

From a release on the Cleveland Indians' web site, Pronk got a cortisone shot on Tuesday that may help his shoulder inflammation. When asked about his return, Hafner hoped to be back on Friday.

The shoulder problems could go a long way towards explaining Pronk's production slippage so far this season.

After having MVP-type numbers in 2005 and 2006, Hafner's home run total dipped from 42 in 2006 to 24 in 2007.

So far in 2008 Hafner is hitting just .217 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI. Now granted, he also has a stolen base (he has 7 total in his career), but I'm assuming most pitchers don't feel they need to keep Pronk too close to the bag. Normally Hafner starts the season like a fireball and the last two seasons he has had slower months of April and May.

With any luck Hafner, who turns 31 on June 3, can get his shoulder problems straightened out. He was an absolute game-changer when he was healthy and if the Indians want to have any shot at a postseason run, Pronk is going to have to be healthy.