Russell Branyan is out of the Indians' lineup Saturday against the A's ace lefty, Brett Anderson.

Branyan has played in three games since being activated on April 20 and has a hit in all of them, though only one for extra bases. It's still unclear whether Branyan will be the hitter who mashed the ball in the first half for the Mariners last year, or the guy who hit .193/.274/.414 after the All-Star break.

Russell Branyan will make his season debut on Tuesday night against the Twins.

Branyan will start at first base and bat sixth against Kevin Slowey. Meanwhile, Matt LaPorta is on the bench, with Austin Kearns starting in left field. Branyan will likely start everyday at first base for as long he stays healthy. Of course, that's never a guarantee. He's worth a shot for his power potential, though he will hurt you in the batting average department.

Indians activated 1B Russell Branyan from the 15-day disabled list.

Branyan missed the first 12 games of the Indians' regular season schedule with a back injury. Now that he's healthy, the veteran is expected to take over regular first base duties with Matt LaPorta shifting to left field. Michael Brantley has already been optioned to Triple-A Columbus to make room.

Indians manager Manny Acta told MLB.com Friday that Russel Branyan was "very close" to getting activated off the disabled list and making his Indians debut.

Branyan was transfered to Double-A Akron where he played all nine innings at first base Friday night, something Acta wanted to see him do before activating him. His next test is to play consecutive days, which he'll get a chance to do Saturday.

Russell Branyan (back) went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI Thursday evening in a rehab game at Triple-A Columbus.

Great to hear. Branyan was placed on the disabled list at the start of the season with a herniated disc, but appears to be only a few days from major league action. The Indians are expected to slide Matt LaPorta back to left field once Branyan is back to full health.

Russell Branyan, on the disabled list with a herniated disc, is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Thursday at Triple-A Buffalo.

Branyan is expected to spend a little over a week with Buffalo, warming up for his return to big league action. For now, Matt LaPorta will continue starting at first base with Michael Brantley manning left field.

Indians placed first baseman Russell Branyan on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26, with a herniated disc.

Branyan is expected to join the team later this month. While he's sidelined, Matt LaPorta will start at first base and Michael Brantley will play left field.