Nate Swisher Out Again for Cleveland Indians

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Indians first baseman Nick Swisher is out of the lineup for the third straight game because of a sore left shoulder.

Swisher, the Indians' biggest offseason acquisition, took batting practice before Friday's game with Minnesota and says he plans to play Saturday. He missed the two-game series with Philadelphia and the Indians were off Thursday. Manager Terry Francona thought Swisher could return Friday, but the decision was made to hold him out of the lineup an additional day.

Swisher, batting .265 with two homers and nine RBIs, started Cleveland's first 23 games, including 12 at first base, six in right field and five as the designated hitter.

Swisher signed a four-year, $56 million contract in January.

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