Smoke signals

• Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, who entered this season with a .244 average for his career, went 5-for-6 in Wednesday's 15-4 win to raise his season average to .361 through 28 games. The third baseman has nine doubles, four RBIs and 12 runs scored, and has been earning more trust and playing time from Francona.

"He sure is. I told him that," Francona said. "Last year, we had to send him to Triple-A. This year, we're trying to figure out ways to get him in the lineup. That's because of Lonnie. That's not because of us. That's him doing what you're supposed to do. We spent a lot of time talking to Lonnie last year about things like this. ... I'm proud of him and how he's working to be a better player."

• Given that outfielders Brantley (day to day with back tightness) and Morgan (on the 15-day disabled list with a right knee sprain) are dealing with injuries, first baseman Nick Swisher let Francona know that he is willing to move to right field to help, if necessary. Swisher played right at times last year for Cleveland.

"He actually volunteered," Francona said Thursday. "I'd prefer not to. ... Swish has told me he would do it in a minute, which as a manager you really appreciate."

• Cleveland continues to look for signs of progress from third baseman Carlos Santana, who entered Thursday batting .154 through 39 games. Santana launched a two-run home run Wednesday and has hit .364 (4-for-11) with four walks in his past three games, following an eight-game stretch in which he posted a .036 (1-for-28) average.