Smoke signals

• Beginning with Tuesday's game against the White Sox, the Indians will play 30 games in 30 days, leading up to the Tribe's final off-day of the season on Sept. 25. The prolonged stretch is the result of the postponement (due to rain) of Cleveland's June 18 home game against the Angels until Sept. 8.

"It'll be nice to have some extra bodies and arms," said Indians manager Terry Francona, referring to rosters expanding on Sept. 1. "So, when games are spread out one way or the other, you can either get guys off their feet or protect your bullpen. But, I don't think it matters. We're at the point now where, days off are great, but we need to play."

• Designated hitter Jason Giambi, who has been on the disabled list since June 12 with a left knee issue, began a Minor League rehab assignment with Double-A Akron on Tuesday night. Utility man Ryan Raburn (on the 15-day DL with a right wrist injury) has gone 1-for-14 through three games with Triple-A Columbus and will resume his rehab with Akron on Wednesday.

• On Tuesday, the Indians named Class A Lake County outfielder Mike Papi the organization's Minor League player of the week for Aug. 18-24. During that span, the 21-year-old Papi (selected 38th overall in the First-Year Player Draft this past June) hit .360 (9-for-25) with two home runs and seven RBIs.