Smoke signals

• Right-handed reliever Matt Capps, who was informed earlier this week that he will not be on the Indians' Opening Day roster, has not yet informed Cleveland if he will accept a Minor League assignment. Capps' agent is currently talking to other teams about a potential big league opportunity elsewhere.

"I think Matt has an obligation to look around," Francona said. "We completely respect that. For his sake, I hope he finds a job. But, selfishly, I hope he ends up staying with us. But I get that. He's very respectful. He's been really honest about it."

• Perez, who suffered a right shoulder strain on Feb. 26, is scheduled to pitch in a Minor League game on Saturday. The All-Star closer indicated earlier this week that he is ahead of schedule and expects to be recovered in time for Opening Day.

• The Indians informed reliever Jerry Gil on Thursday that he will begin the season with Columbus, but the righty will remain in big league camp for the time being. Francona has been impressed with Gil (2.57 ERA in seven Cactus League outings) this spring.

• Former big league infielder Alex Cora, who spent part of the 2005 season with the Indians, was in camp with Cleveland on Thursday. Cora is currently working as a guest instructor with the Tribe.

• Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis has missed the past two games due to soreness in his right elbow. Francona said the injury was not considered serious, noting that Kipnis could play through such an issue during the regular season.