Smoke signals

• Shortstop prospect Francisco Lindor entered Thursday's action with a six-game hitting streak to start his season with High Class A Carolina. The stretch includes a pair of three-hit games and one two-hit showing. Lindor has hit .458 with one double, two triples, three RBIs and a Carolina League-leading five stolen bases.

• Second baseman Jason Kipnis has been slow out of the gates, hitting .138 with a .161 on-base percentage and .241 slugging percentage through the first seven games. Through seven games last year, he hit .179 with a .233 OBP and .464 SLG, but recovered quickly and turned in a strong first half (.277/.345/.419).

• Manager Terry Francona said that backup catcher Lou Marson (on the disabled list with a neck strain) is not close to being sent on a Minor League rehab assignment, as Cleveland is taking a conservative approach with his recovery. "He was rushing to try to come back as the emergency catcher," Francona said. "He's pretty banged up."

• Right-hander Corey Kluber was promoted from Triple-A Columbus to start against the Yankees on Wednesday, but the game was postponed due to rain. For now, Kluber has been moved into the bullpen, but Francona said the Indians "reserve the right to revisit things as we go, depending on weather and depending on usage."