Hagadone getting second opinion on elbow

CINCINNATI -- The Indians hoped that Nick Hagadone would develop into a weapon out of the bullpen this season. Now, Cleveland might already be shifting its focus to next year in light of the left-hander's recent elbow injury.

During the Indians' voluntary workout at Great American Ball Park on Thursday, manager Terry Francona indicated that Hagadone sustained what is believed to be a serious injury to his left elbow during a rehab outing with Class A Mahoning Valley on Wednesday. Hagadone was initially examined by Dr. Mark Schickendantz and is in the process of seeking a second opinion.

"He threw a pitch and felt it. He was examined and it's not good," Francona said. "We'll have more when we have more, but he looks like he hurt it pretty good."

Francona added that the injury might be similar to the injury Hagadone dealt with as a Minor Leaguer with the Red Sox in 2008, when the reliever required reconstructive Tommy John surgery.

"Let's let him go get his second opinion, which is important," Francona said. "And then we'll have more. But, this isn't something that's probably a week with no throwing. I think he hurt himself."

Cleveland placed Hagadone on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain on July 8. In 36 games for the Indians this season, the 29-year-old Hagadone has turned in a 4.28 ERA with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 27 1/3 innings. The lefty has a 4.72 ERA in 143 games in parts of five seasons with Cleveland.

Worth noting
• The Indians pulled into the All-Star break with a 42-46 record, trailing the American League Central-leading Royals by 11 games and sitting 5 1/2 games out of a Wild Card. Since starting the year 12-21, however, the Tribe has gone 30-25 since May 15.

"Trying to make up ground sometimes takes something out of you," Francona said. "We've done it before. I think our pitching should allow us to stay in games, and I don't think anybody in our bullpen has been overused. Nobody is on fumes. And, our hitters, really, we've never really had more than one or two guys hot at once. And there are guys that will hit."

• Francona did not watch much of the Home Run Derby, but the manager said he is a fan of the clock that was added to the annual event. As for the All-Star Game, Francona tuned in just in time to see Jason Kipnis strike out on four pitches against Mets righty Jacob deGrom, who needed just 10 pitches for three strikeouts.

"I literally turned it on and there was Kip standing there," Francona said. "It didn't last long, but a little longer than everybody else. Some guys are amped up and they know they're going to face three or four hitters, but that was filthy [from deGrom]."

• Designated hitter Nick Swisher is scheduled to work out and take batting practice with low Class A Lake County on Friday and Saturday. If Swisher (15-day DL with inflammation in left knee) does not encounter any setbacks, he could begin a Minor League rehab assignment next week.

Quotable
"It was nice to get away for a couple days. I think everybody needs to do that -- kind of try to get away a little bit and see if you can recharge. On Monday, I just collapsed. On Tuesday, I went golfing." -- Francona, on his All-Star break