Hobbled Bourn appears set for Wild Card Game

CLEVELAND -- Michael Bourn finished running the bases during the Indians' workout at Progressive Field on Tuesday and jogged toward the batting cage on the infield. The center fielder flashed a smile, extended his arm and gave a fist bump to general manager Chris Antonetti.

Bourn, who left Sunday's game in Minnesota with soreness behind his left knee, appears to be on target to play in Wednesday's American League Wild Card Game against the Rays, airing at 8 p.m. ET on TBS.

"It was encouraging," Antonetti said of Bourn's workout. "He looked good. I could've had a running head start and wouldn't have run nearly as well as he ran."

In the ninth inning of Sunday's Wild Card-clinching victory over the Twins, Bourn was thrown out at second on a stolen-base attempt. He limped off the field and was promptly replaced in center by Drew Stubbs in the home half of the inning.

Indians manager Terry Francona said pulling Bourn -- signed to a four-year, $48 million contract over the winter -- was simply a precautionary move. Bourn went through agility drills in left field, ran the bases, and took part in batting practice and fielding drills during Tuesday's off-day workout. He is tentatively set to start in center and lead off for Wednesday's win-or-go-home playoff game against Tampa Bay.

"He's feeling good," Francona said. "Hopefully that leads him into leading off [Wednesday]. If something changes, we would make an adjustment."

In 130 games for the Indians this season, Bourn hit .263 with six home runs, 21 doubles, six triples, 50 RBIs, 23 stolen bases and 75 runs.