Smoke signals

• Outfielder Nyjer Morgan, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee, will serve as Cleveland's leadoff hitter and center fielder for Wednesday's Cactus League opener against the Reds, airing at 3:05 p.m. ET on MLB.TV. Morgan is one of a handful of candidates for a spot on the Indians' bench.

"He can change a game with speed," Francona said. "He played in Japan last year, so I haven't seen him for a while. Some of it's going to be the makeup of our club and what fits. The best thing is seeing guys good. If we can see him good, things usually have a way of working out."

• Indians reliever Bryan Shaw is not scheduled to appear in at least the first three Cactus League games for the club. Shaw is currently slated to throw live batting practice on Wednesday and off the mound in a bullpen session on Friday. Francona said Cleveland is just taking things slow with Shaw.

"[Cody Allen and Shaw] threw a lot last year," Francona said, "and they will throw a lot again this year. We'd like to start them maybe a week later than the other guys. And it also gives us a chance to look at everybody else."

• Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano, who is competing for a spot in the bullpen, is scheduled to throw his first live BP of Spring Training on Wednesday. After a trying 2013 season, during which Pestano dealt with a right elbow injury and a trip to the Minors, the pitcher has taken a more gradual approach to the first two weeks of camp.

• Wednesday's spring opener will tentatively include pitchers Trevor Bauer, followed by Harang, Nick Hagadone, Colt Hynes, T.J. House, C.C. Lee, J.C. Ramirez and Preston Guilmet. On Thursday, starter Justin Masterson will be followed by Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Tyler Cloyd, David Aardsma, Josh Outman, Wood and Mike Zagurski. Josh Tomlin is scheduled to start Friday.