Smoke signals

• Given Nick Swisher's left shoulder issues earlier this season, manager Terry Francona has been hesitant to use the versatile first baseman as a part-time right fielder lately. On Tuesday, Swisher was in the Tribe's starting lineup in right field for only the second time since May 10. Swisher told Francona he felt well enough to handle it, especially with the off-day on Monday.

Swisher was in right field to help fill the gap left by center fielder Michael Bourn, who is scheduled to be activated from MLB's paternity list on Wednesday. With Bourn still away from the team on Tuesday, right fielder Drew Stubbs slid over to center against the Royals. Francona said he would go back to the regular rotation of using Swisher at first base or designated hitter following Bourn's return.

• Francona noted that Indians right-hander Zach McAllister, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a right middle finger sprain, threw a 45-pitch bullpen session with no issues on Tuesday. McAllister threw only fastballs and changeups in the mound working, and is tentatively slated to do another bullpen session on Thursday.

• Right-hander Carlos Carrasco, who is currently with Triple-A Columbus, is scheduled to be recalled to start again for the Indians on Saturday against the Tigers, according to Francona. The Indians manager said Carrasco would likely log one or two innings at Triple-A as a tune-up for the return to the Tribe's rotation.

• Indians sinkerballer Justin Masterson has 10 wins and three shutouts, making him the first Cleveland pitcher to achieve both benchmarks prior to the All-Star break since Gaylord Perry (15 wins, three shutouts) in 1974. Over the last 19 years, only Masterson, Roy Halladay (2010), Chris Carpenter (2005), Dontrelle Willis (2005) and Greg Maddux (1998) have accomplished the feat.