Smoke signals

• The combination of a first-place team, fireworks and dollar hot dogs on Friday night led to an announced attendance of 34,282, including a walk-up showing of 6,700 (sixth largest in Progressive Field history). It was an encouraging crowd, considering Cleveland entered Saturday ranked last in the Majors with 297,346 drawn through 19 home dates.

"Outside of Opening Day, I think that was our best crowd of the year," said Stubbs. "They were into the game. They were loud. They were energetic. We feed off that as players. We appreciate the home support, and hopefully they'll continue to come."

• Francona gave left fielder Michael Brantley a routine day off for Saturday's game against the Mariners. Utility man Mike Aviles got the nod in left. Francona noted that Brantley would return to the lineup to face Seattle ace Felix Hernandez on Sunday. Brantley has hit .353 (6-for-17) against King Felix in his career.

• Indians All-Star closer Chris Perez logged a clean ninth inning in Friday's 6-3, 10-inning win over the Mariners. Perez, who suffered mild discomfort in his right shoulder on May 12 and had not pitched since May 11, came away feeling fine after his one-inning outing against Seattle. Perez is 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 6-for-7 in save opportunities in 14 games this season.

• Triple-A Columbus pitcher Danny Salazar was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday night due to soreness in his right shoulder, and he might miss a turn or two in the rotation. This season, Salazar has posted a 2.33 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings in eight appearances between Double-A Akron and Columbus.