Smoke signals
• Indians top prospect Francisco Lindor is currently on the seven-day Minor League disabled list dealing with a back injury. General manager Chris Antonetti said the 19-year-old Lindor will be getting a second opinion on the injury.
"There's no indication that he'll need surgery," Antonetti said on Tuesday. "We'll obviously be smart about this, but we have a long-term focus in mind."
That likely means that the Indians will consider shutting Lindor down for the remainder of this season. In 104 games between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus this year, the switch-hitting shortstop has hit .303 with two homers, 22 doubles, seven triples, 34 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and 65 runs.
• Indians utility man Ryan Raburn, who has been in the starting lineup in just three of the team's past 13 games, continues to deal with a sore right calf. Francona said Raburn would have been in the lineup on Tuesday to face Angels lefty C.J. Wilson under normal circumstances.
"He's such an important part of what we're doing," Francona said of Raburn, who is tied for the team lead with 15 home runs. "I just think sometimes you look at the small picture and miss the big one. Having him at full strength for the last stretch is really important."
• In the eighth inning of Monday's win over the Angels, Francona told pitcher Scott Kazmir to be ready to pinch-run if Giambi reached base. Rather than running from the assignment, Kazmir ran back to the clubhouse to get the proper shoes.
"All the guys seemed like they really wanted to see 'G' get on, too," Francona said. "Kaz ran up, got his spikes. That makes the game so much more fun for me. Even when things aren't going perfect, when youve got guys willing to [help in any way possible], those are things that mean a lot to me."
• Indians starter Corey Kluber (on the disabled list with a sprained right middle finger) continued his throwing program on Tuesay, working up to 120 feet with tape on his injured digit. After that session, Kluber threw without the tape up to a distance of 75 feet.
• On Tuesday, the Indians named low Class A Lake County catcher Jeremy Lucas the organization's Minor League player of the week for Aug. 12-19. During that time period, Lucas hit .389 (7-for-18) with one home run, two doubles, four runs and six RBIs for the Captains.