Indians GM Chris Antonetti expects Travis Hafner (lower back) to return this season. Hafner is dealing with a bulging disk in his lower back, but the injury won't require surgery. He remains without a timetable. Hafner's next step will involve being cleared for baseball activities, with a possible return to the Indians in September.

Travis Hafner is dealing with a bulging disk in his lower back. Hafner was placed on the disabled list Thursday with what was described as lower back stiffness. He received an epidural shot on Friday and is also currently taking anti-inflammatory medication. The hope is that he will be able to avoid surgery, but it's possible he'll have to miss the rest of the season.

Travis Hafner (back) might be done for the season. Hafner was placed on the DL Thursday with lower back stiffness and required an MRI, the results of which are not yet known. With the Indians holding a $13 million option for 2013 that they won't exercise, it's possible Pronk's career with the club is over. If that's the case, he at least went out with a bang in his final at-bat, homering in the 10th inning Sunday to give him 200 longballs for his career.

Indians placed DH Travis Hafner on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 6, with lower back stiffness. Hafner missed his third consecutive game Wednesday, and will be placed on the DL for the second time this season. It's possible he won't require an extended absence, but we'll know more on his timeline for returning once the results of his MRI are known. Jason Donald is being recalled to take his place on the active roster.

Travis Hafner was sent for an MRI on his back on Wednesday. Hafner has now missed each of the last three games with back stiffness. Indians manager Manny Acta said the team will discuss his situation prior to Thursday's game, so it seems a DL-stint is on the table.

Travis Hafner is out of Monday's lineup against the Twins due to back stiffness. Hafner sat out Saturday's game due to back stiffness, but returned Sunday and went 3-for-5 with a home run. However, he's apparently not out of the woods yet. The hope is that he'll be ready to return Tuesday.

Travis Hafner returned to action on Sunday August 5.

Travis Hafner went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Sunday's wild 10-inning loss to the Tigers. Hafner singled home a run in the first and another in the seventh before taking Joaquin Benoit deep for a solo home run in the 10th. Hafner's 11th bomb of the season was his fourth in 17 games since the All-Star break, though the multi-hit day was only his third. Hafner's hitting a rough .239/.355/.453 on the year.

Travis Hafner is expected to be activated from the paternity leave list Saturday. Hafner was placed on the paternity leave list Wednesday to be present for the birth of his second son. Vinny Rottino is currently holding down his spot on the roster.

Indians placed DH Travis Hafner on the paternity leave list. "Pronk" should be back this weekend. He's hitting .230/.350/.434 with 10 home runs in 59 games this year.