Smoke signals
• On Wednesday, Antonetti addressed the fact that closer Chris Perez did not speak with reporters after blowing a save against the Tigers on Monday. Antonetti echoed the recent comments of Francona, noting that it has been Perez's choice not to speak to local reporters for the past several weeks.
"He made the choice about a month ago to just not be available," Antonetti said. "Our preference would be, as [Francona] said the other day, is to have everybody available and accountable each and every day. But, it's a choice Chris made and there's not a whole lot we can do about it.
"The challenge for any player is when your teammates have to speak on your behalf," he added. "I think any time another player is put in a position to answer questions for someone else, it's not the ideal dynamic."
• In light of the two-year contract extension for Raburn, Antonetti was asked if the Indians might consider trying to sign lefty Scott Kazmir before he hits free agency this winter. Through 20 starts, Kazmir has gone 7-4 with a 3.89 ERA, 100 strikeouts and a .242 opponents' batting average across 111 innings.
"I wouldn't want to comment on anyone in particular," Antonetti said. "What I can say about Scott is how much we appreciate what he's done for the team this year, how far he's come, the work he's put in. All of those are great things, and he's re-established himself as not only a Major League pitcher, but a very successful one. I know he'll have a lot of opportunities this winter. At that point, we'll probably explore it."
• Triple-A Columbus right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was dealing with an oblique injury earlier this season, has been on a strong run of late for the Clippers. Over his past five starts, Dice-K has gone 3-1 with a 2.06 ERA, with 30 hits allowed, 31 strikeouts and five walks in 35 innings.
"He's improving," Antonetti said. "He put the injury behind him. Since he's come back from that, he's been steadily building. He's made progress."
• Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin, who is on the disabled list while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, was slated to log two innings in a Minor League rehab start for Double-A Akron on Wednesday. Given the loss of Kluber, Francona said Tomlin could potentially factor into the rotation plans later this season.
"He could [factor into September]," Francona said. "We're going to stretch him out as much as you kind of can, with the thought in mind that you don't know. Before [Tuesday], we had Klubes inked in, ready to go every five days. Things happen, so you try to be prepared for everything."
• The Indians have made a slight change to their rotation. The club initially lined up Ubaldo Jimenez to start on Friday and Kazmir on Saturday against the Angels. They have since been flip flopped, which allows Kazmir to come back on normal rest to start on Aug. 14, one day before Cleveland's next team off-day.
• As expected, the Indians optioned right-hander Matt Langwell to Columbus on Wednesday to clear room on the active roster for Salazar. Langwell had been promoted from Triple-A on Tuesday to offer bullpen insurance after Kluber landed on the 15-day disabled list.