CLEVELAND _ Indians ace Corey Kluber still does not have a timetable for a return from a strained lower back.
Kluber left his start May 2 against the Detroit Tigers with a stiff back, something that he had been dealing with for most of the season. He had pitched through the discomfort up to that point, when it finally forced his exit from a game and warranted his placement on the 10-day disabled list.
Kluber has been working with trainers and a therapist in Cleveland.
"He's progressed to where he's throwing off flat ground for the last few days and land-based running, say moderate intensity, so he's making some really good strides," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "I think the good news is, for him to do that, he's starting to get better, which we're really happy about. ... When he gets to a point where he's ready to throw off a mound, that's when we'll have a much better timetable on when he can potentially pitch."
With Kluber still sidelined, Mike Clevinger will remain in the starting rotation. Clevinger pitched well in his 2017 season debut, throwing 52/3 scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals on May 7. Clevinger is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins.
