Indians
1B Nick Swisher told the Cleveland Plain Dealer he has never endured a slump this profound, for this long, this early in a season. Manager Terry Francona moved Swisher out of the No. 2 hole in the lineup. Swisher told the newspaper: “If I have to hit ninth, I’ll hit ninth. … It hasn’t been the start that I wanted it to (be), but we have 75 percent of the season left, so for me, it’s not really a spot that I’ve really been in before, so I’m going to have to fight and scrap and battle myself out.” … 2B Jason Kipnis began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus. Kipnis has been on the disabled list since May 2 with an oblique injury and the club would like to get him in a few games before he’s activated.
Royals
Billy Butler takes blame for heated argument with 1B coach Rusty Kuntz: “Got caught up in the moment.” … While LHP Bruce Chen (bulging disk) is on the DL, his replactment, LHP Danny Duffy is shining. At 25, Duffy is considered a potential cornerstone in the rotation. Which, of course, creates the question of Chen’s role upon his return. Chen told the Kansas City Star: “The most important thing right now is to get healthy. It doesn’t do any good for me to start thinking ahead about what’s going on.’’
Tigers
Justin Verlander caught looking at girlfriend Kate Upton’s upper body during Bruins-Canadiens playoff game. … Ex-Tigers manager Jim Leyland watched a game last week from the press box. Leyland, who retired after last season, is a special assistant to general manager Dave Dombrowski. … The Tigers had their first sweep at Fenway Park in 31 years, since a four-gamer in 1983.
Twins
Manager Ron Gardenhire questions Aaron Hicks’ preparation: “He needs to start studying the game a little more.” … 1B Joe Mauer rarely admits to frustration, but seven weeks into the season, he has looked less than comfortable. His latest injury was described as “back spasms.” Mauer told the Star Tribune (Minneapolis), “Every sneeze, every movement, right away, (his back) grabbed. I’d be trying to get ready for the game, and every time my heel hits the ground, it was shooting pain. I had to calm it down.”
White Sox
If they can contend, Jose Abreu could become first Rookie of the Year/MVP since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001. … With a dislocated tendon in his right ankle, closer Matt Lindstrom became the latest player to hit the DL. Lindstrom, 34, was injured fielding a bunt. According to ESPN.com, he is the eighth White Sox player to land on the DL since the season started. In addition, Gordon Beckham was already injured when the season started. Chris Sale, Felipe Paulino, Avisail Garcia, Jose Abreu and Nate Jones remain on the DL, while Beckham, Adam Eaton and Conor Gillaspie have returned.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
