In what is becoming something of a recurring theme lately for the Cleveland Indians, physically fit-challenged OF Grady Sizemore, who is currently rehabbing his injured knees and back, has hit a setback in his bid to return to the Tribe.

Jordan Bastian tweeted the news from trainer Lonnie Soloff:

Acta & Soloff (trainer) note that Sizemore (back/knees) has slowed down in his rehab. Backed off some running activities last couple weeks.

According to Bastian, Soloff did add that he was still confident Sizemore would contribute in 2012, but he declined to set any kind of definitive time table.

It would have been foolish for the Indians to count on much production from Sizemore, who just hasn’t been able to stay healthy over the last several years. But evidently they did just that when they decided to give Sizemore a contract to return to the team. Now both sides must continue to preach patience while keeping fingers crossed that some version of a productive Sizemore can eventually get back on the diamond.

[Related: Is Michael Brantley Figuring It Out?]