CLEVELAND — Mike Clevinger's return to the Cleveland Indians' starting rotation unfortunately didn't last long.
The right-hander has been placed back on the 10-day injured list after spraining his ankle against the Texas Rangers on June 17. Clevinger was injured while coming off the mound and attempting to field a ground ball in the second inning. He stayed in the game, pitching 4.2 innings, allowing five earned runs on three hits.
The 28-year-old Clevinger missed more than two months of action earlier this season because of a severe back injury.
The Tribe has recalled left-hander Josh Smith from AAA Columbus. Smith is beginning his third stint with Cleveland this year, posting a 5.40 ERA over six relief outings.
In Columbus, Smith has posted a 6-1 record with 4 saves and a 1.63 ERA in 20 outings. At Triple-A, left-handed batters are hitting .097 (3-for-31) and for the year are 1-for-37 with men on base and 0-for-24 with runners in scoring position.
The Indians are opening a three-game series with the Detroit Tigers on Friday night at Progressive Field.