Smoke signals

• Francona was not willing to say specifically when the club will make its first roster cuts of Spring Training, but he did note that Minor League games are not scheduled to begin until March 14. Cleveland might wait until around then to begin moving some of its younger players back to the Minor League side.

"If you do make cuts," Francona said, "you want to make sure you're not setting guys back that are already in game shape. At some point, certainly you're going to see some cuts, but I don't know if it makes a lot of sense to announce ahead of time."

• In the bottom of the second inning on Friday, Indians right fielder Ryan Raburn crashed hard into the right-field wall at Cubs Park on a home run by Kris Bryant. Raburn initially remained in the game, but was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the top of the third. Raburn was diagnosed with a left knee contusion and is considered day to day. He will be evaluated on Saturday.

• Indians right-hander Shaun Marcum has been on a conservative program this spring, as he continues to come back from July surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome. Marcum (a non-roster invitee) will take an important step on Tuesday, when he is scheduled to throw a live batting practice for the first time this spring.

• Cleveland will hold an intrasquad "B" game at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday at its Minor League complex. Starter Zach McAllister, as well as relievers David Aardsma, Josh Outman and Preston Guilmet are all scheduled to pitch in the abbreviated contest.

• Indians first baseman Bryan LaHair, who has been working his way back from September surgery on his left wrist, is scheduled to hit during Saturday's "B" game. Up to this point, LaHair has been limited to cage work for hitting and defensive drills.