CLEVELAND _ It's possible the Indians will be without Bradley Zimmer for the duration of their postseason run, regardless of how long it lasts, although he hasn't been ruled out of anything yet.
Zimmer fractured the fourth metacarpal in his left hand when he was stepped on by Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis in Sunday night's game. He underwent surgery, performed by Dr. Thomas Graham, on Monday in New York. The procedure involved a plate and nine screws to fixate the fracture.
The club will allow Zimmer to rest for two weeks before re-evaluating his situation. According to Indians manger Terry Francona, though, the early word is that Zimmer won't be able to return to play for six-to-eight weeks.
If the Indians were to advance to the World Series, Game 1 is scheduled for Oct. 24 _ six weeks to the day from Tuesday. While it is in the expected window for his return, it would mean Zimmer would be returning for the World Series and taking a roster spot after having not played for nearly two months.
It's an iffy situation at best, but the Indians can look to Yan Gomes, who last year broke his hand and was thought to be done for the year. Gomes not only returned for the postseason, but he also came back several weeks ahead of schedule to appear in the regular season, even hitting a key home run in Kansas City.
"In two weeks we'll let him get looked at it, see what he's able to do and let him do as much as he can and see where it goes," Francona said. "I mean, last year Gomer was supposedly done for the year and he played, so rather than [rule him out now] we just want to get him better."
In Zimmer's absence, the Indians do have a number of options for center field. Lonnie Chisenhall could slide over to center, particularly when Michael Brantley is able to return from a sprained right ankle. Brantley's progress has been slow-going thus far.
Austin Jackson, Abraham Almonte and Tyler Naquin could also see expanded roles.
