Indians thrilled to have Bruce

Even before Jay Bruce played his first game for Cleveland, manager Terry Francona said the power-hitting outfielder has boosted the banged-up team.

“It gives you a little bounce in your step,” Francona said Thursday before the Indians opened a four-game series at Tampa Bay. “There are no guarantees. There aren’t supposed to be, but he is a really good run producer, and to add him to your lineup is really going to help.”

Bruce wasn’t at Tropicana Field in time to start the 4-1 loss to the Rays. He popped out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. The AL Central leaders acquired the 30-year-old from the Mets on Wednesday night for minorleague pitcher Ryder Ryan.

Bruce hit 29 home runs, tied for fourth most in the NL, and drove in 75 runs for the Mets.

Holding their breath: The Cubs expect to receive MRI exam results Friday on Willson Contreras, who left Wednesday’s game against the Giants with a hamstring injury. Because Contreras barely could put pressure on his leg as he left the field and because of the stress his main position, catcher, puts on his legs, the Cubs are bracing for life without him for an extended period.

Briefly: Texas claimed right-handed reliever Jhan Mariñez on waivers from the Pirates. Mariñez is 0-3 with a 3.91 ERA in 39 relief appearances this season for Milwaukee and Pittsburgh . ... The Yankees placed Clint Frazier (oblique muscle injury) on the 10-day disabled list and reinstated outfielder Aaron Hicks from the DL.