CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) - Indians catcher Austin Hedges was penciled in the starting lineup on Wednesday night against the Orioles, but approximately an hour before the game he was scratched and Rene Rivera played instead.
This morning in a press conference before the series finale with Baltimore, Tribe manager Terry Francona announced that Hedges suffered a concussion and is heading to the 7-day Injured List.
In a corresponding move, the team has promoted Ryan Lavarnway from Triple-A Columbus. He is a 33-year old big-league journeyman that has accumulated nine seasons across seven different organizations.
The Indians also placed outfielder Jordan Luplow on the 60-day injured list, as the team does not expect him to return to full health until at least late July.
The Indians are thin at the catching spot already, as starter Roberto Perez underwent surgery to repaid his fractured right ring finger back in mid-May. He's expected to be out another 3-4 weeks, although the team is hoping he might be ready for a rehab assignment in the next week or so.
The Indians and Orioles wrap up a 4-game series at 1:10 p.m. this afternoon. Eli Morgan is making his second Major League start for the Tribe as they try to sweep Baltimore and hand the O's a 19th consecutive road loss.
Hedges has a concussion and will be out at least one week.
