ST. LOUIS -- The Indians have mapped out Carlos Carrasco's schedule for the remainder of the week, and the plan could have the starter on target to return to the rotation next weekend for the start of a 10-game homestand.
Prior to Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, Carrasco (10-day DL, right elbow contusion) completed another bullpen session with no issues. Manager Terry Francona noted that the right-hander is now scheduled to make a rehab appearance for Double-A Akron on Saturday against Altoona.
"That's the day we're shooting for," Francona said. "I think just through our conversations, he'd feel better throwing maybe 65 pitches. So when he comes back and pitches in a game, he can probably safely get out to about 85 and it's not a bullpen day."
Pitching on Saturday would put Carrasco in line to potentially come off the DL on July 6 for a start at home against the A's. With an off-day on July 5, Cleveland would have the ability to go with right-hander Adam Plutko or righty Mike Clevinger for that outing against Oakland if Carrasco encounters a setback or the Indians feel he could use an additional rehab start.
Carrasco returned to the mound for a 25-pitch bullpen session Monday and threw about 40 pitches in Wednesday's workout at Busch Stadium.
Through 15 starts this season, Carrasco has gone 8-5 with a 4.24 ERA, 96 strikeouts and 22 walks in 91 1/3 innings for the Tribe. The pitcher was struck on the right elbow by a line drive off the bat of Minnesota's Joe Mauer on June 16. He sustained a contusion and dealt with swelling, but Carrasco avoided any structural damage.

Worth noting
• With an off-day looming Thursday, the Indians opted to give an extra day of rest to Clevinger. Plutko will start Saturday in Oakland, allowing Clevinger to pitch Sunday on five days' rest. As a result, ace Corey Kluber (slated for Monday at Kansas City) will also get an extra day off between starts.
• Lefty Andrew Miller (10-day DL, right knee) continues to work through a flat-ground throwing program back in Cleveland while focusing on strength work for his knee. There remains no announced date for his next bullpen session and no timetable for his return.
• Lefty Tyler Olson (10-day DL, left lat strain) played catch again Wednesday with no issues and is closing in on a bullpen session, which could take place later in this road trip.