GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- An argument could be made for naming either Cleveland's Francisco Lindor or Houston's Carlos Correa as the shortstop for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Indians would prefer there not to be a debate at all.
On Friday morning, Indians manager Terry Francona said he has discussed the situation with Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez, who recently managed within Cleveland's farm system. Francona noted that the plan for the Puerto Rican lineup calls for Lindor to start at shortstop or serve as the designated hitter.
"He's not going to get moved around the field," Francona said. "It was a strong request. We wouldn't do that here. That's probably putting him in a difficult spot. Edwin handles things really well. He'll handle it. He was [here], so everybody knows him, but he's a stand-up guy. He'll do it right."

:: 2017 World Baseball Classic ::With Lindor leaving for the Classic soon, Francona said Cleveland will need to make some adjustments to its spring schedule. For example, the Indians will run a series of fundamentals workouts later in camp, following Lindor's return from the tournament. Francona did note that the Indians have a high level of trust in how Lindor will handle his busy spring schedule.
"Frankie's really looking forward to this," Francona said. "And, because he understands his responsibilities here, we can kind of pat him on the back and tell him, 'Go knock 'em dead, and see you when you get back.'"
Worth noting:
• Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (right shoulder) has resumed throwing, but is still being brought along slowly by the team's training staff. Francona said Kipnis might be ready to work into games as a DH next week (day to be determined) with his return to second coming roughly four to five days later.
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• Catcher Yan Gomes will be heading home to Knoxville, Tenn., on Monday to be with his wife for the birth of their second child. With Roberto Perez (Puerto Rico) heading for the World Baseball Classic, Cleveland will be without its two catchers for a minimum of four days.
• Francona noted that outfielder Brandon Guyer (right hamstring) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut as a designated hitter Saturday against the Athletics.
• Left fielder Michael Brantley (right biceps surgery in August) was scheduled to take part in on-field batting practice again Friday morning.
• The Indians announced Friday that Dave Miller (special assignment scout), Chris Gale (international crosschecker) and Trey Hendricks (international crosschecker) received promotions.