Smoke signals

• Francona said his use of defensive shifting might vary depending on who is pitching for the Tribe. Francona said he pays attention to spray charts and shift success rates, but there are other factors that he will keep in mind, too.

"It depends on situations in the game," Francona explained. "There's times when I feel like you try to play the percentages. If it's in our favor, yes. If there's times when you play a shift and maybe that little broken-bat hit can beat you, no. It also depends on the pitcher. He's got to command enough to do it, and he's also got to buy into it where he believes in it.

"If a pitcher doesn't want us to do it, we would not do it. There's no way I want a guy throwing a ball and having him looking around thinking, 'This is not what I want.' But then it's up to us, if we feel that strong about it, to talk to them so they understand it."

• Cleveland's first lineup of Spring Training for Friday's game against the Reds will feature center fielder Bourn leading off, followed by shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, second baseman Jason Kipnis, first baseman Swisher, left fielder Michael Brantley, catcher Santana, designated hitter Reynolds, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and right fielder Stubbs.

• Pitchers scheduled to throw for the Indians in Friday's Cactus League opener against the Reds include Giovanni Soto (starter), Vinnie Pestano, Joe Martinez, Rich Hill, Mat Langwell, Fernando Nieve and Frank Herrmann. Saturday's starter against Cincinnati will be righty Brett Myers.

• Indians reliever Joe Smith (left oblique) threw off a mound on Wednesday with no issues. Smith took the day off from throwing on Thursday and said the current plan calls for him to throw off a mound in another bullpen session on Saturday.