Detroit: Indians starting pitcher Danny Salazar played long-toss and threw a bullpen session on Monday, another step in his rehab back from a strained forearm.
Salazar threw about 20-23 pitches, all fastballs, at about 75 percent.
“He looked good, using his legs well, ball’s coming out good, got through it just fine,” pitching coach Mickey Callaway said. “And we’re going to go day-by-day, see how he feels tomorrow and then go from there.”
The general hope has been that Salazar could be used out of the bullpen in the impending American League Division Series. The Indians have said that Salazar won’t be rushed, and that his long-term health will be the top priority. He still has several hurdles to clear.
“He’ll certainly have a couple more bullpens,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Is every other day a little ambitious? Is every third day? Mickey and [head athletic trainer James Quinlan] and Danny will sit down and kind of figure out the best way to go through the rest of the week.”
In terms of Salazar appearing in a regular-season game, which could be a bit ambitious from Salazar’s original timetable, Callaway added that it’s not a goal, but it “would be nice.”
Twins interested
Per multiple reports, Indians assistant general manager Derek Falvey is the favorite to be hired by the Minnesota Twins to run their baseball operations department, potentially as club president.
Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti declined to comment on another team’s search for an executive while it’s ongoing.
“What I can tell you is all of us here, including Derek, are focused on helping us secure a postseason berth and then in the event we do that, prepare for the postseason,” Antonetti said. “Derek continues to have a huge impact on our organization. He’s a key leader that’s impacted all facets of what we do.”
Falvey is in his ninth season with the Indians and first as assistant general manager. Prior to his current position he had spent four seasons as director of baseball operations.
Co-player of week
Carlos Santana on Monday was named the American League’s Co-Player of the Week, along with Detroit Tigers outfielder Justin Upton.
Santana hit .458 (11-for-24) with two home runs, three doubles and six RBI in six games. He finished the week tied for third in the AL with 20 total bases. It’s his second career AL Player of the Week Award, the first coming on July 27, 2014.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at www.ohio.com/indians. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RyanLewisABJ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RyanLewisABJ