Smoke signals

• Swisher was still sore on Tuesday after fouling a pitch off his right knee during Sunday's game in Detroit. Swisher was in the starting lineup at first base for Tuesday's game against the Rangers after playing with discomfort as Cleveland's right fielder on Monday.

"I just kind of grinded through that day," said Swisher, referring to Monday's loss. "I've already missed enough time. ... I'm done taken those days off, that's for sure."

• Prior to Tuesday's game, a pipe burst under the infield at Rangers Ballpark, forcing the Indians to do pregame batting practice indoors. The grounds crew worked on the field and had an area behind the mound fixed in time for the game to begin as scheduled. Indians manager Terry Francona joked that it reminded him of a scene in the movie "Bull Durham" where the players flooded a field to force a rainout.

"I didn't do it," Francona joked. "We're not there yet. We're a little frustrated, but we're not there."

• Francona noted that All-Star closer Chris Perez (on the 15-day disabled list due to a right shoulder injury) threw off a mound on Tuesday and is scheduled to do so again on Friday. If Friday's mound session goes well, Perez would likely then be sent out on a Minor League rehab assignment.

• Indians center fielder Michael Bourn received a scheduled day off from starting on Tuesday against the Rangers. Right fielder Drew Stubbs shifted to center and moved into the leadoff spot in place of Bourn. Francona said, given Bourn's aggressive style of play, he will try to find spots to give him rest throughout the season.

• On Tuesday, the Indians named Double-A Akron outfielder Carlos Moncrief the organization's Minor League Player of the Week for the period of June 5-11. During that span, the 24-year-old Moncrief hit .524 (11-for-21) with four multi-hit games, six RBIs and a 1.260 OPS.