CLEVELAND -- Terry Francona could tell for a while that relief pitcher Tyler Olson was battling through some kind of ailment.
So it came as no surprise when the left-hander went on the disabled list June 17 with a left lat strain. Fortunately for all parties involved, Olson has made decent progress.
Francona announced ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Tigers that Olson began a throwing program one day ahead of schedule. The progress seems promising.
Francona said Olson's body language made it evident something was bothering him, so Francona may have to monitor Olson's workload going forward.
"It looked like he was gritting his teeth when he was throwing," Francona said. "He's a really tough kid and he takes so much pride in being available. Probably to the point where he hurt himself. And we tried to explain to him how much we appreciate the fact that guys want to [pitch]. But that he also has a career ahead of him. So, we walked through that a little bit."
In 28 appearances this season, Olson is 1-1 with a 7.27 ERA in 17 1/3 innings. His injury leaves Oliver Perez the only left-handed pitcher on the Indians' 25-man roster.
Worth noting
• Starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (right elbow contusion) and reliever Andrew Miller (right knee inflammation) will travel with the team as the Indians embark on a nine-game road trip, starting with a three-game series against the Cardinals on Monday. The Tribe will also take a visit to Oakland and Kansas City before returning to Progressive Field on July 6.
Miller, who was placed on the 10-day DL on May 26, is set to resume throwing Monday.
Carrasco is still on schedule to begin throwing bullpen sessions starting next week, though a specific date hasn't been set. Carrasco exited his last start against the Twins on June 16 in the second inning after he was struck above the elbow with a line drive. The right-hander was placed on the DL the next day.
"I didn't really want to get locked into a day yet [for Carrasco]," Francona said. "I think some of it depends on how he's feeling. But it's coming, for sure."