This Week In Indians Baseball: Week 3

NEWS:

• Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo injured his left hamstring during Tuesday’s win against the Royals. He was removed from the game in the eighth inning and missed the next five games. Choo is being cautious after his history of rushing back from an injury prematurely. He hopes to return to the lineup on Tuesday.
• Left-handed reliever Rafael Perez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left lat muscle. Nick Hagadone was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to take his place in the bullpen.

WAHOO’S ON FIRST HIGHLIGHTS:

• Lewie explained why the 2012 Indians deserve some love from analysts in the early goings of the season.
• Steve asked what Travis Hafner is capable of if he can stay healthy, regain his power and hit left-handed pitching.
• Brian previewed the series against the Royals and the series with the Angels.
• Lewie interviewed Michael Engel from Kings of Kauffman about the Royals and Jonathan Mathis of SB Nation Los Angeles’ about the Angels.
• Lewie explained why Lonnie Chisenhall isn’t quite ready for his Major League break.
• Steve looked at the outfield situation following Shin-Soo Choo’s hamstring injury.
• Steve analyzed the impending roster move the Tribe will have to make when Johnny Damon is promoted.
• In this week’s Wroundtable, we discussed whether we should be worried by Justin Masterson’s early season struggles.

 WEEKLY TRIVIA:

• Casey Kotchman‘s seventh-inning single Friday night snapped a 0-for-24 slump at the plate.
• The Indians haven’t had a home run since Carlos Santana hit one back on April 17. This is the longest homerless streak since 1983 for the Tribe, when they went 14 games without a home run.
• The Indians lead the majors with 101 walks through 20 games. The New York Yankees are second with 86.
• The Indians led the division by a game after Sunday’s win over  Chicago and Detroit.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“It’s always fun to jump around acting like kids.”—Casey Kotchman after the Tribe’s walk-off victory on Friday night.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Derek Lowe

When the Indians traded for Derek Lowe this offseason, we weren’t sure what to expect. So far, he’s surpassed everyone’s expectations. Lowe pitched well on Tuesday, only allowing one run in six innings, and completely down the Angels’ offense Sunday.

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