Smoke signals

By Jordan Bastian

April 9, 2013

• Indians left-hander Scott Kazmir -- on the 15-day disabled list with a right rib cage strain -- played catch on flat ground up to a distance of 90 feet on Tuesday. Kazmir (Cleveland's fifth starter) is eligible to be activated on April 17.

• Center fielder Michael Bourn was out of the starting lineup Tuesday for the first time this season. Francona said it was a scheduled day off for the leadoff man. Right fielder Drew Stubbs moved into the top spot and shifted to center in place of Bourn.

• Shortstop Francisco Lindor, the Indians' top pick in the 2011 Draft and their top prospect, entered Tuesday having hit safely in each of Class A Advanced Carolina's first four games. Lindor was also pacing the Carolina League with five stolen bases.

• After calling up Gomes and Santos from Triple-A Columbus, the Indians promoted catcher Roberto Perez from Double-A Akron to Triple-A.

Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian.