McAllister to begin playing catch soon

CLEVELAND -- After a Thursday examination of his right middle finger, Zack McAllister will begin playing catch in about three days.

McAllister went on the 15-day disabled list on June 3 with a right middle finger sprain. Manager Terry Francona said the injured starter is "doing really well."

"We want to be cautious with him, and we will continue to be," Francona said. "He's making progress. He can already tell, just by even like touching it and moving it and things like that. And he got a good examination and we'll continue to monitor that."

In 11 starts this season, McAllister is 4-5 with a 3.43 ERA. He gave up a season-high five runs on June 2 against Tampa Bay, during which he had difficulties throwing his curveball.

"Now, we are going to be cautious with him, because this isn't something to play around with," Francona said. "And if we do treat it correctly and accordingly, he should be just fine, and that's the whole idea."