MLB roundup: Hafner, Indians rout Angels

CLEVELAND (AP) — Travis Hafner returned to Cleveland’s lineup and the Indians’ Derek Lowe got back in the win column.

Lowe won for the first time in more than a month as Cleveland pounded out 14 hits, including three-run homers by Michael Brantley and Casey Kotchman, to beat the Los Angeles Angels 12-3 Wednesday.

Hafner went 1 for 3 with two walks in his first game since having right knee surgery May 31.

“It’s great to see the guys get a lot of runs,” Lowe said. “Then it’s up to me not to walk guys and give it back.”

Michael Brantley hit a three-run homer in the first inning off Ervin Santana (4-9) and Casey Kotchman had a three-run shot in a six-run second as Cleveland took a 9-1 lead.

Johnny Damon had a season-high three of Cleveland’s 14 hits. The Indians totaled 21 runs in two wins after being shut out 3-0 in the series opener.

“We had a lot of quality at-bats and you could see Hafner’s effect right away,” Indians manager Manny Acta said. “He just wore out Santana and then Brantley hit that homer.”

With two outs and Jason Kipnis on first with a walk, Hafner drew an 11-pitch walk. Brantley followed with his second homer for a 3-0 lead.

“Brantley got a good pitch to hit,” Damon said. “Certain players (Hafner) make others around them better.”

Astros ship Lee to Marlins for prospects

PITTSBURGH — The Houston Astros traded slugger Carlos Lee to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in exchange for a pair of prospects.

The Astros acquired third baseman Matt Dominguez and left-handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen in the deal.

The 36-year-old Lee spent five-plus seasons with the Astros and is hitting .287 with five homers and 29 RBI in 65 games this year.

Houston manager Brad Mills removed Lee in the seventh inning of a 6-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Lee’s locker was already empty by the time the clubhouse opened after the game.

The right-hander gives the Marlins a veteran hitter as they try to get back into the race in the NL East. First base has been a problem for Miami this season, where regular Gaby Sanchez is hitting .194 with two homers and 16 RBIs.

Dodgers’ Ethier on 15-day DL

LOS ANGELES — Andre Ethier went on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a strained left oblique, leaving the struggling Los Angeles Dodgers without two of their All-Star outfielders. Matt Kemp has been out since May 30.

Ethier’s move was retroactive to June 28.

The right fielder was batting .291 with 23 doubles, 10 home runs and 55 RBIs in 75 games this season. Kemp, who plays center field, has been bothered by a recurring left hamstring problem.

Kemp is currently on a minor league rehab assignment with Class A Rancho Cucamonga. He went 2-for-3 with two singles, a walk, a strikeout and a run scored as the designated hitter in his first rehab game on Tuesday night.

He is expected to return to the Dodgers’ lineup on July 13 at home against San Diego. He won’t play in the July 10 All-Star game, but hopes to participate in the Home Run Derby the day before in Kansas City.

Also Wednesday, the Dodgers reinstated Mark Ellis from the DL. The infielder hurt his left leg in a May 18 game against St. Louis. Ellis was hitting .273 with 27 runs scored, two homers and nine RBIs in 37 games. He went 4 for 13 with three RBIs in four rehab games with Rancho Cucamonga.

including two hits for the Quakes on Tuesday night.

The Dodgers had lost 12 of their previous 15 games going into the series finale against Cincinnati on Wednesday.

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