Smoke signals

• Indians manager Terry Francona said he has kept in constant contact with setup man Vinnie Pestano, who is currently pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. In two tournament appearances, Pestano has two strikeouts and one hit allowed in two innings.

"I've texted with him a bunch," Francona said. "He's been great about communicating with me every time he throws."

• With 13 games in a row with no off-days to open the regular season, the Indians are weighing whether to carry seven or eight relievers on the Opening Day roster. Francona said having a true long reliever is not currently deemed a necessity for the ballclub.

"No," Francona said. "That's a conversation we keep going back and forth with, with everybody. Some of it is going to depend on the makeup of the bullpen. Some of it is going to be determined by the number of guys in the bullpen. You've got a couple schools of thought there."

• Tribe right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is one of five starters competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, is scheduled to work three innings in a Minor League game at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday at Cleveland's complex. Matsuzaka left his last outing after one inning due to cramping in his right calf.

• Indians All-Star closer Chris Perez, who is working his way back from a right shoulder strain, is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time since Feb. 26 during Saturday's workout. Cleveland has not ruled Perez out for Opening Day.

• Indians left-hander Scott Kazmir, who is vying for a spot in the rotation, is slated to log four innings in a Minor League game on Sunday. Kazmir has turned in 11 shutout innings (13 strikeouts) this spring between Cactus League and Minor League "B" game appearances.

• Indians catcher Yan Gomes, who is battling for a bench job this spring, exited Friday's game against the Brewers in the fourth inning due to tightness and cramping in his right hamstring. He doubled with two outs and left the game after reaching second base. Gomes is considered day to day with the injury.