Smoke signals

• Francona sat down with general manager Chris Antonetti and assistant GM Mike Chernoff on Sunday to discuss the next step with Matsuzaka, who is only built up to three innings and around 60 pitches with two weeks left in camp. Francona said they will likely meet with the pitcher Monday to continue the conversation.

Cleveland needs to make a roster determination on Matsuzaka, who is in camp on a Minor League contract, by March 26, when the Indians need to either place the righty on the active roster or pay him a $100,000 bonus if he is willing to accept a Minor League assignment. In the latter scenario, Matsuzaka would be able to opt out of his contract on June 1.

• Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis has been slow out of the gates this spring, hitting just .162 (3-for-37) with nine strikeouts and one walk through 14 Cactus League games. Francona said he is not concerned by Kipnis' spring showing.

"He's going to be fine," Francona said. "When I told you guys I hadn't looked at batting average, I haven't looked at one batting average. I wouldn't begin to know what guys are hitting."

• Indians first baseman Nick Swisher has been away from the team for a couple days due to personal reasons. Swisher is expected to return to Arizona on Sunday night and will rejoin the ballclub Monday.