Smoke signals

• Indians backup catcher Lou Marson was out of the lineup on Thursday for the second game in a row. Francona said Marson was suffering from "intestinal turmoil," which is more frequently referred to as flu-like symptoms.

• Right-hander Corey Kluber -- a candidate for the fifth starting role -- pitched during a "B" game against the Mariners on Thursday morning. Francona said Kluber, who logged four scoreless innings with three strikeouts and three hits allowed, was focusing on pitching inside to left-handed hitters.

• Right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who left his outing on Monday after one inning due to a calf cramp, felt "a little tender" on Wednesday, according to Francona. Matsuzaka threw a bullpen session with no issues on Thursday, but Cleveland has not announced when he will next appear in a game.

• Relievers Cody Allen, Rich Hill and Matt Capps each appeared in Thursday morning's "B" game at Cleveland's complex. Allen allowed one hit in one inning, Hill chalked up one strikeout in his only frame and Capps scattered two hits in his lone inning of work.