Santana, McAllister nearing returns

CLEVELAND -- Two injured members of the Tribe could be back on the field sooner rather than later.

Carlos Santana landed on the 7-day concussion disabled list on Tuesday after experiencing a headache and dizziness earlier in the week. However, Santana could be back in the Tribe lineup by the end of the week.

Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters that Santana continues to feel better and that he could begin hitting off a tee and taking dry swings as early as Sunday.

"Carlos seems to think that he can play Wednesday," Francona said. "I think the training staff thinks Friday is a little more realistic. But the fact that he feels that strongly about it is really good."

Cleveland's skipper also noted that Santana, batting just .159 with six home runs this season, will have to keep progressing through his rehab activities without showing any of his concussion-like symptoms if he wants to return this week.

Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Zach McAllister (back) is expected to make a rehab start on Wednesday with Class A Lake County. He threw a brief bullpen session on Sunday.

"He's fine," Francona said. "He's all set to go. He'll get two days off and then go pitch."

Francona also mentioned that the Indians will wait to decide if McAllister needs another Minor League outing under his belt until they see him pitch on Wednesday.

"Don't think there's going to be a whole lot of buildup, but I think we'd like to see how he does," he said.

McAllister went 0-2 with a 10.67 ERA in his last four starts before being hitting the 15-day disabled list on May 22.