Hamstring Injury Puts Lofton on Disabled List

The Cleveland Indians put outfielder Kenny Lofton on the disabled list Tuesday for the second time because of a lingering right hamstring injury.

The assignment is retroactive to Aug. 16. Lofton joined the double-A Akron Aeros of the Eastern League Tuesday night to begin a playing rehabilitation program for his injury.

The Indians recalled Jolbert Cabrera from triple-A Buffalo to fill Lofton’s roster spot.

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The Boston Red Sox acquired left-hander Kent Mercker for their wild-card stretch run, sending two minor leaguers to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mercker is 6-5 with a 5.12 earned-run average in 25 games, 18 of them starts.

Since July 1, Mercker is 4-2 with a 3.99 ERA.

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Houston outfielder Richard Hidalgo, on the disabled list since Aug. 9, found out he needs surgery on his left knee and will miss the rest of the season.

Hidalgo hit .227 this season with 15 homers and 56 runs batted in.

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An MRI on pitcher Mike Mussina’s right shoulder showed no significant damage, according to Baltimore Oriole officials. Mussina is still doubtful, however, for his scheduled start on Friday. . . . The Pittsburgh Pirates put left-handed pitcher Jason Christiansen on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained neck. . . . The Texas Rangers recalled left-hander Corey Lee from triple-A Oklahoma and optioned right-hander Danny Patterson to Oklahoma.