Indians optimistic Kluber will make next start

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Indians are optimistic about Corey Kluber's chances of making his next scheduled start.

Kluber exited Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Twins after 93 pitches and five innings due to tightness in his left hip and upper left hamstring. The right-hander indicated that he was feeling better on Sunday morning and he hopes to start as planned against the Rangers on Friday.

"It's a little sore, still, but nothing that's to the same extent as last night," Kluber said on Sunday. "It's something I can pitch through. It was just a precautionary move."

As things currently stand, Kluber is slated to throw off a mound in a bullpen session on Tuesday in Seattle. With a team off-day coming on Thursday, Kluber would be making his next start with one extra day of rest. Indians manager Terry Francona said -- thanks to the off-day -- the team also has the option of pushing Kluber's start back by a day or two, if necessary.

"Today will be kind of just a day to work with [head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff]," Francona said on Sunday. "Then he can start his five-day progression, which would set him up for Friday. If we need to change it, we could have [Justin Masterson] come back on his normal day [on Friday].

"I don't think anybody anticipates that we need to do that, but it's there if we need it."

Over his past 13 turns for the Tribe, Kluber has gone 5-3 with a 3.13 ERA over 77 2/3 innings, including 81 strikeouts against 18 walks. On the season, the right-hander has gone 7-5 with a 3.69 ERA in 18 games (16 starts).