Smoke signals

• Indians right-hander Justin Masterson remains in a shut-down period after suffering a strained left oblique in his start against the Orioles on Monday. Masterson will be re-assessed early next week before potentially being cleared to resume playing catch.

• Indians left fielder Michael Brantley left the team on Friday to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. As of Saturday morning, the baby had not arrived, and Francona did not have a clear return date established for the outfielder.

• Outfielder Tim Fedroff and shortstop Juan Diaz both cleared waivers on Saturday and were sent outright to Triple-A Columbus. Fedroff and Diaz were each designated for assignment on Sunday in order for the Tribe to selected the contracts of catcher Kelly Shoppach and infielder Jose Ramirez.

• With his performance against the Mets on Friday night, Kazmir became the first pitcher in the Majors to record at least 12 strikeouts with no walks in a scoreless outing of no more than six innings since Texas lefty Matt Perisho accomplished the feat on Oct. 3, 1999.