Smoke signals

• Carlos Carrasco said he threw about 75-80 pitches in a simulated game on Thursday. One of his main objectives was to work the inner half of the plate, which he had trouble with in a June 8 start at Detroit. Carrasco, who's currently serving a seven-game suspension for intentionally hitting a batter, said he was nervous about pitching inside to Tigers hitters while giving up six runs in four innings.

But things went well in the simulated game, according to Carrasco and Francona. The right-hander will start on Monday in the series opener against Kansas City. Originally, he was slated for Tuesday, but Carrasco switched spots with Ubaldo Jimenez, who asked the Tribe coaching staff for an extra day off.

• Asdrubal Cabrera, who's on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quad, began playing catch a few days ago and is having less difficulty walking. He can't say when he'll return to the lineup, but did say he's making progress on the recovery front. Cabrera pulled the muscle while running to first base in a June 3 game at Yankee Stadium.

• The Indians officially signed first-round Draft pick Clint Frazier to a deal on Saturday. Frazier worked out with the club and knocked the ball all over the park during batting practice. On the same day, Cleveland also announced the signings of ninth-rounder Thomas Pannone, a left-hander, and 24th-round pick Kerry Doane, a right-hander.