Kluber tweaks schedule targeting return next weekend

DETROIT -- With the Minor League season ending soon, Corey Kluber decided to move his simulated game from Saturday to Monday in Cleveland, in hopes that he returns to the Indians' rotation from the 15-day disabled list by next weekend.

Kluber, who is 7-5 with a 3.54 ERA in 21 games this year, threw all of his pitches -- including his curveball -- in a bullpen session on Friday. He tested his curveball for the first time on flat ground on Thursday and said his injured right middle finger felt good.

"We did a bullpen today instead. Where tomorrow was going to be without breaking balls, so we decided to throw a bullpen with everything today," Kluber said. "That way I can throw everything in the simulated game on Monday."

Monday's simulated game will essentially serve as a rehab start, and the Indians hope he can rejoin the rotation afterward. Since baseball's rosters expand to 40 players on Sunday, the team will have more flexibility if they need to limit his workload.

"It actually moves up the process a little bit," manager Terry Francona said. "After that, he's actually eligible to pitch in a game, because we're into September. We have a few options we're contemplating."