99 Daniel Robertson RF

The Indians designated Robertson for assignment Thursday.

He became expendable when the Tribe acquired Jay Bruce on Wednesday and needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Robertson was on the Triple-A Columbus disabled list with hamstring issues and could remain there if he clears waivers.

Robertson was placed on the disabled list at Triple-A Columbus with left hamstring soreness.

The 31-year-old slashed .225/.287/.338 over 32 games with the Tribe this season, but was sent back to Triple-A once Brandon Guyer (wrist) and Michael Brantley (ankle) returned from the DL. Robertson has enjoyed a great year with the Clippers, though, hitting .340 while scoring 24 runs and swiping seven bases through 43 contests. He'll return to providing organizational depth once his hamstring recovers.

Robertson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

With Brandon Guyer (wrist) and Michael Brantley (ankle) both returning from the disabled list, Robertson was no longer needed as outfield depth. The 31-year-old will head back to Columbus, where he'll continue to serve as organizational outfield depth.

Robertson will start in left field and bat ninth Sunday against the Twins, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

With the Indians facing a spate of left-handed pitching of late and Michael Brantley (personal) on the paternity list, Robertson will earn his fifth straight start. Robertson has recorded just two hits in 18 at-bats over the last four contests, which won't give him much of a case to hold down anything more than the short end of a platoon in the outfield once Brantley returns.

Robertson went 2-for-4 with his first major-league home run, a three-run shot, and scored twice in Tuesday's loss to the Dodgers.

It took 351 career plate appearances spread out over four organizations before Robertson finally cleared a big-league fence. The outfielder has been more than serviceable since being recalled in mid-May. Through 21 games, Robertson is slashing .286/.340/.469 with just two strikeouts in 49 at-bats.