Smoke signals

• Second baseman Jason Kipnis stole his 20th base on Sunday, joining Grady Sizemore (2008), Roberto Alomar (1999) and Von Hayes (1982) as one of only four players in team history with at least 20 steals and 50 RBIs in a season's first half. Kipnis (2012, '13) and Sizemore (2007, '08) are the only players in Cleveland history to have at least 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a first half twice in a career.

• Left fielder Michael Brantley had a career day in Sunday's 9-6 win, going 3-for-4 with one double, two home runs and five RBIs. He entered Monday hitting .341 (.854 OPS) with runners on base, .362 (.938) with runners on and two outs, .367 (.905) with runners in scoring position, and .406 (1.082) with RISP and two outs.

• Backup catcher Lou Marson, who has been on the disabled list with a injured right shoulder since late April, played catch up to 90 feet on Monday as part of a throwing program. He was optimistic about his chances of resuming a Minor League rehab assignment soon, though he needs to advance through a long-toss program before being cleared for game activities.

• On Monday the Indians signed right-hander Justin Garcia, who was selected in the 38th round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Weatherford College. Cleveland has now signed 23 of its 39 picks from this year's Draft.