Ben Francisco can hardly be counted on to single-handedly rescue the Indians from their bumbling bats.

But general manager Mark Shapiro has seen enough of the Tribe's offense in the early going to know something has to change, which is why Michaels will be designated for assignment and Francisco will be called up from Triple-A Buffalo before Tuesday's series opener at Yankee Stadium.

The move, announced by Shapiro on a conference call with reporters Monday, won't become official until Tuesday, because that's the day Francisco is eligible to return to the team after his last demotion to Buffalo.

"This one transaction is not going to solve all our offensive woes," Shapiro said. "Jason Michaels was certainly not the primary cause. We just feel it's time for us, where we can, to start to make some small moves that might help. But the answers to our offensive issues lie within."

What Shapiro refers to, of course, is the improvement the Indians want -- and need -- to see from the core members of their lineup, specifically designated hitter Travis Hafner (.209 average, .305 on-base percentage, .345 slugging percentage).

But the 26-year-old Francisco will have his chance to make an impact.

Shapiro made it clear Francisco is not simply taking over Michaels' role as the fourth outfielder and David Dellucci's platoon mate in left field. What the Indians envision is Dellucci, Francisco and Franklin Gutierrez dividing up the at-bats in left and right field.

"[Francisco is] an outfielder that we felt potentially could give our club a spark," Shapiro said. "Obviously he's got more power and has the ability to not necessarily be a platoon guy, because his splits have not been left-right splits. He gives Eric [Wedge] the ability to keep Dellucci strong and healthy and protect Franklin Gutierrez as well. He's a good complement to our outfield, as it exists right now."

Francisco made his big league debut last season and batted .274 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 25 games. While in Buffalo last season, he captured the International League batting title, batting .318 with 28 doubles, 12 homers, 51 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in 95 games. And this spring, he was one of the Tribe's more dynamic offensive players.

It is that recent history that earned Francisco a callup, more than anything he's done at the plate in the '08 season proper. Perhaps as a result of the cold weather or the sheer disappointment of being back at the Triple-A level for a third year, Francisco was hitting just .228 with a homer and six RBIs for the Bisons.

As for other help, Shapiro said the Indians have begun to explore the trade market, which is barely open for business given the number of teams who consider themselves in contention.

"The question is, if we make one trade, is it going to make us a better team right now?" Shapiro said. "The answer is no. It's not going to make us a better team unless we get three or four guys turned around. We need the players here to perform to our expectations and their expectations."

When the Indians originally traded for Michaels before the '06 season, their expectation was that he could replace Coco Crisp as the everyday left fielder. When that didn't work out, he went back to the type of platoon role he had fulfilled in five seasons with the Phillies, getting starts in left field against left-handed pitching. He was also given a two-year contract before the '07 season.

In the early going of '08, Michaels, who is making $2.15 million, was batting just .207, with a 258 on-base percentage and .276 slugging percentage. The Indians will have 10 days to trade him, release him or assign him to the Minors if he clears waivers.