CLEVELAND -- One day after playing their best defensive game this season, the Cleveland Indians lost the shortstop with all the golden gloves. Omar Vizquel had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee yesterday and was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Indians, who hope their best fielder and most popular player won't be out for long.

Vizquel, who tore cartilage in his knee while making a slide into home plate last week against Arizona, will be sidelined for at least three weeks. It's his first trip to the DL since 1994.

To fill Vizquel's roster spot, the Indians called up infielder John Peralta from triple-A Buffalo.

Vizquel, a nine-time Gold Glove winner, was hurt last Friday when he jammed and twisted his knee while sliding into home plate at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix.

The Indians complained about excessive sand around the plate and the area was watered and tampered for the final two games of the series.