Smoke signals

• Indians left fielder Michael Brantley, who received 15 stitches in his left forearm after being spiked while sliding into third base on Feb. 25, has resumed all baseball drills with the exception of on-field batting practice. Brantley might be deemed ready to resume playing in games by this weekend.

"I just want to make sure that the wound heals correctly," Brantley said on Tuesday. "It's healing great so far -- no setbacks. I'm right on schedule where I need to be. Once the stitches come out, I'll be able to do all baseball activities."

• Indians starter Carlos Carrasco, who was struck in the side of the head by a comebacker during his outing against the Cubs on Monday, was re-evaluated again on Monday night and Tuesday morning. Francona said Carrasco has passed every concussion test.

"He's fine," Francona said. "The trainers checked with him last night and checked with him again this morning. He exhibited no signs [of a concussion]."

• The Indians will play a Minor League "B" game ay 10 a.m. MT on Wednesday morning at the team's player development complex. Left-hander Scott Kazmir, a rotation candidate, is slated to work three innings and reliever Matt Albers is scheduled to work one frame.

Quote to note:
"I'm going to try to stay out of their way. I'll be conscious of them behind me. I know they can score from first easily, so I'm going to have to be on my horse and stay on top of my game, make sure I get good reads and things like that. It's nice having those guys to score for us. I wish I could hand off the baton and let them go by."
--Chisenhall, on potentially hitting in front of the fleet-footed Drew Stubbs and Bourn