CLEVELAND -- This stint was much shorter than Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger's first trip to the injured list this season.

After missing over two months with an upper back strain, Clevinger sprained his left ankle in his first start back on June 17 in Texas. The 28-year-old landed on the IL for the second time, but he and manager Terry Francona were confident the pitcher would only miss one start. It looks like they were right.

Clevinger threw a successful bullpen on Tuesday, prompting Francona to give his starter the green light to get back on the mound to start Friday’s game against the Orioles at Camden Yards.

“Geez, it looked like Game 7 of the World Series,” Francona said of Clevinger’s bullpen session. “He’s good to go for Friday. He fielded his position. He’s all set to go.”

Clevinger had tossed 12 scoreless innings through his first two starts of the season before his stint on the 60-day injured list. In his last outing, he allowed five runs on three hits through 4 2/3 innings, throwing 91 pitches.

Bauers feeling better

After outfielder Jake Bauers gave the Tribe a quick scare prior to Monday’s 3-2 walk-off victory in 10 innings over the Royals, Francona decided to keep Bauers out of the starting lineup at least one more day to rest his ankle. Bauers dropped the ground in left field during Monday's batting practice after twisting his left ankle while shagging fly balls. But it doesn’t seem like it’ll be something that keeps the 23-year-old out of the lineup much longer.

“I think he’s kinda mad cause he wanted to play, which is a good thing,” Francona said. “He’ll got out and go through a workout with the trainers, see what his availability is for tonight. I just thought it didn’t make sense. We can send [Mike] Freeman out there and he’ll be fine. We have [Jordan] Luplow to pinch-hit if we want. I just think the way he went down ... let’s make sure he’s OK.”

This date in Indians history

1993: Paul Sorrento went 2-for-4 with four RBIs in Cleveland’s 4-1 victory over the Royals.