Tigers’ Blair Released from Hospital

Detroit Tiger pitcher Willie Blair left Cleveland on Monday, less than 24 hours after his jaw was broken by a line drive off the bat of the Indians’ Julio Franco.

Blair was released from a Cleveland hospital and was reexamined at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

“Right now, the preliminary prognosis is that recovery could take six to eight weeks,” Tiger spokesman Tyler Barnes said.

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Cleveland outfielder Kevin Mitchell does not plan on being with the Indians for much longer. In fact, the outfielder-designated hitter is so convinced his time in Cleveland is coming to an end that his locker is filled with empty boxes--to be packed with his belongings and shipped to the next destination.

“That’s why I have my boxes here, ready to go,” said Mitchell, sitting in front of his locker before Monday night’s game against the Texas Rangers was rained out. “They’re empty. They’re ready for my stuff if something happens.”

Mitchell was not in the lineup Monday night.

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Indians center fielder Marquis Grissom was activated from the disabled list. . . The Milwaukee Brewers reinstated shortstop Jose Valentin and closer Mike Fetters from the 15-day DL. . . New York pitcher David Weathers has cleared waivers and will report to triple-A Columbus. . . The New York Yankees will receive their World Series rings at home Sunday before playing the Kansas City Royals. The rings were delayed because of a last-minute design change.