Smoke signals

• Indians right-hander Corey Kluber, who has been sidelined due to a sprained right middle finger, took the day off from throwing on Sunday. Kluber is scheduled to throw off the mound in a bullpen session during Monday's off-day.

• Beginning Tuesday, the Indians will face a nine-game stretch that includes three opponents (Atlanta, Detroit and Baltimore) with winning records. Starting on Sept. 6, Cleveland's five remaining opponents (Mets, Royals, White Sox, Astros and Twins) have a combined winning percentage of .430. Kansas City is the only club in that group with a record at or above .500.

• Kipnis entered Sunday hitting .426 (23-for-54) with 11 extra-base hits, 20 RBIs and a 1.309 OPS through 14 games against the Twins this season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Kipnis is tied for the most RBIs by any Major League player against any one opponent this year. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera has 20 RBIs this year against the Indians.

• Indians utility man Ryan Raburn (right calf and left foot discomfort) remained out of the starting lineup on Sunday for the sixth consecutive game. Raburn is hoping to be available by Tuesday or Wednesday, when Cleveland is slated to face left-handed starters in Atlanta.