CLEVELAND - Michael Bourn's finger is stitched and splinted.
It's better, but not well enough to keep the Indians centre fielder from going on the 15-day disabled list.
Manager Terry Francona said the plan is to put Bourn on the DL in coming days. The leadoff hitter cut his right index finger on Sunday when he dived into first base and got stepped on by White Sox pitcher Matt Thornton. Bourn needed five stitches to close the gash. He'll miss more than a week once he goes on the DL.
"It's still sore, but it's OK," Bourn said before the Indians opened a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. "We'll just have to let it heal up and see how it feels."
Bourn, who signed a four-year, $48 million free agent contract with Cleveland in February, said X-rays taken on Monday were negative.
"I know it could have been a lot worse," he said. "He's a really big guy and he stepped right on my hand. I'm thankful that it's only this."
Drew Stubbs moved from right to centre and batted leadoff for Tuesday's game. Ryan Raburn took Stubbs' spot in right and batted ninth.
Francona said the team is "keeping our options" open before they decide when to place Bourn on the DL. The team wants to make sure left-hander Scott Kazmir, who has been sidelined since the start of the season with a strained rib cage, can start Saturday before making a move with Bourn.
Francona said Kazmir threw the ball "very well" during a rehab start in Columbus. He allowed one unearned run in five innings.
Also, second baseman Jason Kipnis missed his third straight game with a sore left elbow. He took batting practice on Tuesday and the Indians are hoping he can play Wednesday. Francona said Kipnis doesn't remember how he hurt his elbow.
The Indians recalled infielder Cord Phelps from Triple-A Columbus and optioned catcher Omir Santos to the Clippers.
Catcher Carlos Santana was back in the starting lineup after sitting out since the home opener when he bruised his left thumb catching a pitch.
