Smoke signals

• Francona described Tuesday's home game against the Royals as a "bullpen day" for his pitchers. Right-handed reliever Matt Albers will start the game for Cleveland, and will be followed by closer Chris Perez, Bryan Shaw and Scott Barnes, among others.

"I just thought that Matt wouldn't alter his approach," said Francona, explaining why Albers was named the starter. "He's been doing it long enough where he wouldn't get thrown off by the start. That's the only reason."

• This early in the spring slate, Francona is not getting overly wrapped up in the readings on radar guns. Francona and his coaching staff pay attention to pitch velocity, but that element will become more important as the Indians get deeper into the preseason schedule.

"It's a little early," Francona said. "It's not the end all, be all, but I certainly look at it. We try to look at everything. It's kind of stating the obvious, but the harder you throw, the more margin you normally have for error. But ,that's not necessarily always true, either."

• Indians' single-game tickets went on sale Monday at 10 a.m. ET and the team's April 8 home opener against the Yankees sold out in six minutes. This will mark the 21st consecutive home-opening sellout for the ballclub. Fans wanting to attend the opener can still secure tickets through full-season ticket packages.

• The Indians will be holding a select-a-seat event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on March 16 at Progressive Field for Tribe fans interested in season, group or party-area tickets for the upcoming season. The event will give fans the chance to check out available seats. For more information, check Indians.com.