CLEVELAND — Travis Hafner, one of the most feared hitters in the American League from 2004-06, has been reduced to David Dellucci status.
Dellucci replaced Hafner as the third hitter in the Indians’ lineup for the series finale against Seattle, while Hafner batted sixth, in a move manager Eric Wedge hopes will help loosen his team’s top run producer from the grips of a season-starting slump that had him batting just .210 through Wednesday.  
“I just don’t think it’s right to leave him in the 3-hole when he’s trying to work through this,” said Wedge, who chose the veteran Dellucci, one of the offense’s few efficient pieces through the first 28 games. “We’ll give him a little of a break and let him see a few more at-bats before he gets back up there. It’s going to take a little bit of time. It’s going to take a lot of work, but we’re going to get him there.”
Hafner, who entered Thursday riding an 0-for-12 skid, said he was fine with the move.
“I think it’s the right thing to do for the team and for myself,” he said. “We sat down and discussed it together and we’ve got a plan in place.
“You always want to play your best. I know what I mean to the offense. I expect to be a leader of the offense. Hopefully this is something that in the long run will work out for the team and get me on track.”
Hafner estimated that he takes 200 swings a day, combined with pregame work, batting practice and game action, and that he continues to make adjustments at the plate. Wedge said there are mechanical flaws that have been addressed as well.
Then, there’s the pressure of playing under a lucrative multiyear contract and the expectations that come with the ability to carry an offense like no other on the roster.
“It comes with being a great player,” Wedge said. “He knows that it comes with the responsibility of being Travis Hafner.”

General Lee

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Cliff Lee’s opposing on-base percentage (.163) is the lowest for a pitcher through his first five starts of the season since Frank Smith posted a .159 on-base percentage for the White Sox in 1909.
Lee’s scoreless innings streak came to an end at 27 Wednesday night, but the left-hander still improved to 5-0 with a 0.96 ERA — both totals tops in the league entering Thursday.

Next up

The Indians wrap up a 10-game homestand with a three-game series against Kansas City, beginning tonight at 7:05.
C.C. Sabathia (1-4, 7.88) opens against right-hander Luke Hochevar (1-1, 5.91), while Aaron Laffey (0-1, 6.35) and righty Gil Meche (1-4, 7.22) battle Saturday (7:05).
Fausto Carmona (3-1, 2.60) will go for Cleveland in the finale Sunday (1:05), while the Royals counter with righty Brett Tomko (1-3, 6.26).

Roundin’ third

The Indians employed their 25th different lineup in 29 games Thursday.
• Victor Martinez went the first month of the season without a homer but is riding a 13-game hitting streak and has the AL’s top batting average (.356). 

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