Smoke signals

• Indians starter Justin Masterson, who suffered a strained left oblique in his outing against the Orioles on Monday, is currently in the midst of a six-day shutdown period. Following the rest, the right-hander will be re-assessed before potentially being cleared to resume light catch.

• On Wednesday, the Indians named Double-A Akron lefty Kyle Crockett the organization's Minor League Player of the Week for Aug. 27-Sept. 3. The 21-year-old Crockett, selected in the fourth round of this year's First-Year Player Draft, posted a 0.36 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings between Class A short-season Mahoning Valley, Class A low Lake County and Double-A Akron this year.

• First-base prospect Jesus Aguilar set a Double-A Akron franchise record with 105 RBIs this season, breaking the previous record of 97 (Carlos Santana, 2009; Wes Hodge, 2008). Aguilar's 105 RBIs ranked sixth overall among all Minor Leagues players with full-season affiliates this season.

• During batting practice prior to Wednesday's game against the Orioles, the Indians had a live chicken roaming the outfield with the players. Coming off a stretch of six losses in eight games, the unexpected visitor brought some levity and laughter to the Tribe.

Quote to note
"He's been great. He's the main reason why I've been able to get where I am right now. He's been there ever since he got the job. He's been there with me, working hard, every single day."
--Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez, on pitching coach Mickey Callaway