Smoke signals

• Yankees starter Michael Pineda was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Red Sox for pitching with pine tar smeared on the right side of his neck. While using a foreign substance on the baseball is not allowed per Major League Baseball rules, many pitchers within the game use something to assist with their grip.

"I think everybody knows that most people do it," Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said. "We know why they're doing it, what they want it for. You just have to be a little more discreet about it, if you're going to do it. Especially in cold weather, the ball does get very slippery."

• With one scheduled start left in April, Masterson has no decisions through 28 innings and five starts this season. There have only been two pitchers in Cleveland history (Ken Schrom in July 1987 and Bobby Locke in June of '61) to finish a month with at least 28 innings and no wins or losses.

"As long as we're winning, I'm happy," Masterson said. "That's perfectly fine. I'll take however many no-decisions come as long as we keep winning the games."

• Entering Thursday's game against the Royals, Indians left fielder Michael Brantley led the Tribe in hits (23), home runs (four), RBIs (18), total bases (39), runs (tied, 12), stolen bases (four), average (.295) and OPS (.875). Brantley signed a four-year, $25 million extension at the onset of Spring Training.

• Right-handed reliever Vinnie Pestano, who was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on April 9, has enjoyed a solid stretch since joining the Clippers. Through five appearances, the former Tribe setup man had a 1.80 ERA with nine strikeouts, two walks and a .176 opponents' average in five innings.