Indians activate 1B Nick Swisher, place DH Jason Giambi on 15-day DL

Nick Swisher had posted the worst offensive numbers of his career this season before going to the DL on May 27. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

In an expected move, the Indians on Thursday activated first baseman Nick Swisher from the 15-day disabled list and placed designated hitter Jason Giambi on the DL with left knee inflammation, the team tweeted hours before their first of a four-game away series vs. the Red Sox.

The 33-year-old has been on the disabled list with a hyperextended left knee since May 27. He took batting practice last Friday, ran the bases Saturday morning and returned to Cleveland on Sunday.  On Tuesday, he began a two-game rehab assignment with Class AA Akron.  Swisher said at the time that “everything is on track.”

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Despite the good new, he will have to break from a slump in which he’s hitting .211/.312/.319 with three home runs in 218 plate appearances -- the worse offensive numbers of his career.

For the veteran Giambi, the move on Thursday marks the third time this year he has gone on the DL.

The Indians are 33-33 — third in the AL Central.