Indians CF Bourn exits game early with hamstring issue

CLEVELAND -- Hamstring problems might be cropping up for Michael Bourn again.

The Indians center fielder was removed from Saturday's game against Chicago in the fourth inning due to left hamstring tightness. Bourn led off the third inning with a bunt single and advanced to second on a walk. He was taken out when the inning ended and will miss at least the next couple games.

"He felt his hammy a little bit when he laid that bunt down," Terry Francona said. "Hopefully we have caught it to the point where it is precautionary and not cost as much time. We'll know more tomorrow."

Bourn began the season on the disabled list after suffering a mild strain of the left hamstring in a spring training game on March 16. Last year Bourn injured the same hamstring during the regular-season finale in Minnesota when he was trying to steal second base and had offseason surgery. Both injuries though did not occur in the same spot.

Bourn was activated off the disabled list on April 15 and had a slow start to the season, but he had warmed up as of late and has hits in 11 of the last 12 games he has played. During that span he is hitting .314 (16 for 51) with three extra-base hits and four RBI. He is 8 for 25 when leading off an inning.

Besides Bourn, designated hitter Jason Giambi left the game with a right calf cramp after the fifth inning and is unlikely to be available for Sunday's game. With the Indians down to possibly one bench player available -- catcher George Kottaras -- Nyjer Morgan could be called up.