CHICAGO -- Now that the Indians are assured Roberto Perez's hand isn't broken, the team has optioned Francisco Mejia to Triple-A Columbus.
Mejia had been recalled in case Cleveland needed to place Perez on the 10-day disabled list, but manager Terry Francona said Perez is feeling good enough to catch Wednesday's game against the White Sox with Trevor Bauer starting. The Indians' top prospect, and No. 11 overall, per MLB Pipeline, Mejia will catch a bullpen and "work out a little" before heading back down.
Francona added that Mejia could see more time in the outfield at Columbus, where he has logged significant innings thus far.
"It's ongoing," Francona said. "He's plenty athletic. I still think the ball over his head is probably the hardest play for him, gauging the strength of the hitters. He's plenty athletic, though. I can see where at some point that comes into play because he's got plenty of arm, and he's not slow, and like I said, he's athletic, so I don't think anybody wants to give up on that."
A roster spot also needed to be cleared for Tuesday night starter Adam Plutko, who was officially called up a few hours before the game.
Plutko will likely slide into the fifth starter role for at least a few rotation turns, as the Indians were able to go with four starters the last couple of weeks because of off-days. Francona said their starting pitching depth with Plutko and Shane Bieber -- currently at Triple-A -- makes the Indians reluctant to move either to the bullpen, even if the team needs a reliever.
"He's done everything you could ask at the Triple-A level," Francona said of Plutko, "And when he's come up here, other than [May 28] in Chicago, when he didn't really command well, he's been really good.
"It's June 12th, and if you put a guy into the bullpen now, and then in August you need a starter, you don't have it," he added. "That was the whole thing with [Mike Clevinger] last year, because we thought he could really help us in the bullpen."
Miller continues working
After Andrew Miller's successful bullpen session Monday, Francona said the left-hander will throw another bullpen on Wednesday.
Miller is trying to get comfortable landing on his injured right knee again after he was placed on the disabled list May 26 with inflammation, Francona said.
"What you're trying to balance is, knowing what it is which we do, building him up, letting the medical guys do their stuff while he's on the DL, and then try to get to a point where you think he can come back and pitch and stay healthy and productive," Francona said.
"The biggest thing is where he lands on that knee, and where he knows he can land on it and continue, so they're getting as much information as they can."
Worth noting
• Brandon Guyer (neck strain) hit in a batting cage Tuesday, Francona said. He said he will be activated "at some point," and indicated Thursday as a possibility because the White Sox will be starting left-hander Carlos Rodon.