Murray Breaks Ribs In Collision At Plate

The Indians probably will have to do without Eddie Murray for at least a month.

Murray sustained two fractured ribs on his left side when he slid across the plate in the third inning during Cleveland’s 7-0 win over the Twins Sunday at the Metrodome.

Murray scored on a single by Jim Thome and as he slid into home plate, his ribs and catcher Matt Walbeck’s knee met.

When it was Murray’s turn to bat in the fifth inning, he took ball one from starter Greg Harris and stepped out of the box to signal the dugout that he needed relief. Herbert Perry finished the at-bat and remained in the game as the designated hitter.

Murray, who had his 3,000th career hit Friday night, singled, doubled and drove in a run in his first two at-bats Sunday, raising his total to 3,005.

“This will hurt the club, but this is a resilient group,” General Manager John Hart said. “The thing I worry about is the leadership Eddie gives us on a day-to-day basis, as well as his bat. These are the things you’ve heard me talk about for the last two years, ever since we got him.”

Murray will go on the disabled list starting today - for only the second time in his career and the first since 1986 - and the Indians will call up a minor-leaguer.

“We need a bat,” Hart said. “Wayne Kirby will get more at-bats against righthanded pitchers, but we need another guy for left-handers. We will try to get what Mike (Hargrove) wants.”