Indians Activate Matt LaPorta
By Editorial Staff
Matt LaPorta returned for the Indians last night after the club activated their first baseman before their game against the Yankees. LaPorta has been on the disabled list since the middle of June.
LaPorta sprained his ankle on the 17th of last month. The Pirates caught him in a rundown after he tried to advance to third base from second on a grounder to short. LaPorta turned the ankle, collapsed and was removed from the game.
While he initially feared the worst, the injury only required rest and minor treatment. LaPorta did not go on an injury rehab assignment in the minors.
What the 26 year old did have to do was prove he was good to go Wednesday through a series of workouts earlier in the week. Cleveland made the roster move yesterday after LaPorta showed his ankle was no longer a problem.
"“He’s a guy that can turn the ballgame around in one swing,” Indians’ manager Manny Acta said. “He looked very impressive in all of those workouts that he had. He’s just got to get out there and compete now.”"
Before his injury, LaPorta had been one of the best offensive contributors for the club this season. He’s third on the team with 8 home runs and has driven in 31 RBIs over his 60 games played. In his return last night, LaPorta went 2-4 while batting 8th for the Indians.
To make room on their roster for LaPorta, the Indians optioned reliever Josh Judy back to Triple-A.
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