Smoke signals

• The Indians hold a 4-2 record in one-run games. Over the past five seasons, Cleveland's .549 (100-82) winning percentage in one-run contests was the fifth-best mark in the Majors. Only Baltimore (.567, 101 wins), San Francisco (.565, 117 wins), Philadelphia (.553, 109 wins) and Atlanta (.552, 107 wins) boasted better records in that span.

• Cleveland's bullpen entered Wednesday riding a run of 16 2/3 consecutive shutout innings, dating back to the eighth inning against the Red Sox on Thursday. Over the past nine games, Indians relievers have yielded just four earned runs over 35 2/3 innings for a 1.01 ERA.

• The Indians entered Wednesday with 222 home runs all-time at U.S. Cellular Field. That represented the most long balls by a visiting team since the ballpark opened in 1991. The Tigers rank second with 215 at the home ballpark of the White Sox.

• Right-hander Fernando Nieve cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday. The Indians designated Nieve for assignment Monday to clear room on the 40-man roster for righty Matt Albers, who had been on the restricted list while tending to a family situation.