CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Injured Cleveland Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin and outfielder Michael Brantley are still working toward returning to the lineup, but manager Terry Francona said recent rehab work could put both on the fast track once they are cleared to return.
Tomlin, on the disabled list since July 31, threw three innings of a simulated game on Monday at Progressive Field. Francona said the righty is not ready to pitch in a game yet because his injured left hamstring does not test out strong enough with the team's trainers.
But the silver lining, Francona said, is that because Tomlin is able to throw simulated games, he will be ready to return faster once he is cleared.
"He'll come quick because he's still pitching," Francona said. "So that's really good."
Likewise, Brantley has returned to doing baseball activities while his injured right ankle mends.
Francona said Brantley has not yet been given the go-ahead to run since twisting the ankle in the outfield on Aug. 8. But, like Tomlin, because Brantley is currently able to throw and swing, when he eventually is cleared to run, things should move quickly.
Francona also offered limited details on injured outfielders Lonnie Chisenhall and Abraham Almonte.
Chisenhall, on the disabled list since July 11 with a right calf strain, is with his wife, Meredith, who is close to giving birth to the couple's third child.
"I told Lonnie, just have fun," Francona said. "Good luck. Give me a call when things slow down and we'll figure out what's next for you."
Almonte, who moved to the disabled list with a left hamstring strain Aug. 18 when the Indians acquired Jay Bruce, was set to test his injury during the simulated game that Tomlin threw on Monday.
"We're hopeful that when his time is up we can maybe get him out to play a game or something like that," Francona said.