Last week, the Indians lost DH-R Ellis Burks, RHP Ricardo Rodriguez, and SS-S Omar Vizquel to injury. Reports emerged last Monday that Burks had been feeling a tingling in his right elbow and had lost muscle mass in his right hand. Tests revealed a pinched nerve in his elbow was responsible for his problems, and Cleveland placed Burks on the DL on Tuesday. While he considered attempting to rehab the injury, Burks now plans to have season-ending surgery to adjust the nerve on June 22nd.

Burks is in the last year of his contract with the Indians, and they didn't seem interested in re-signing him before this injury. However, the 38-year-old has no plans to retire and hopes to find work with another club next season, as the surgery is expected to correct the problem, allowing him to then rebuild the strength in his right hand. His power loss this year, likely corresponds to the loss of strength in his hand, so interested teams can expect a rebound.

Cleveland called up Coco Crisp to replace Burks on the roster. When promoted, Crisp was hitting .360 with a .4434 OBP and .511 SLG on 81 H, 19 2B, 6 3B, and 1 HR with a 26:24 BB:K and 20/28 SB% in 225 AB at AAA Buffalo in the International League. At the moment, Manager Eric Wedge is bouncing Crisp between centerfield, left, and DH. However, Crisp has appeared in Cleveland's starting lineup in every game since his call-up, and he should continue to receive regular playing time, as the Indians did not want to call him up without having the ability to start him.

A strained triceps muscle forced Rodriguez to leave his June 8th start in Arizona during the second inning. Reports indicate Rodriguez first injured his arm taking batting practice two weeks before interleague play began. He felt tightness in his arm over his next four starts but didn't feel pain until the 8th. The Indians considered not placing Rodriguez on the disabled list as he's only expected to miss one or two starts and Brian Tallet, who was already on the roster, has stepped into his rotation slot. However, Cleveland put him on the DL on Wednesday, so he can take his time with his recovery.

Omar Vizquel injured his right knee sliding into home during the Cleveland's June 6th game in Arizona, where deep sand reportedly surrounded the plate. He played the Indians next four games with a brace on his knee, but the brace did not alleviate his pain. An MRI on Wednesday revealed he'd torn cartilage in the knee, and on Thursday Vizquel underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage and Cleveland placed him on the DL. The Indians optimistically believe he should be able to rejoin the team in three to four weeks.