Brantley, Guyer eye returns on Opening Day

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A pair of injured Indians outfielders are on the mend, and that's good news for the club with the start of the regular season quickly approaching.
Michael Brantley, who had right ankle surgery in October, will make his Cactus League debut on Wednesday night against the Royals. Brandon Guyer, who had surgery on his left wrist also in October, is scheduled to play with the club's Triple-A team on Monday.
• Spring Training information
It's unclear if either will be ready for Opening Day.
"There's a progression, I think you call them milestones, and they just keep hitting the progressions, and when they do that, they move forward," manager Terry Francona said before Monday's 5-4 win over the Giants in Scottsdale, Ariz.
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Brantley went 2-for-2 with a home run in a Minor League game on Saturday and he was scheduled to play four innings on defense on Monday with the club's Class A team. He likely won't play at all on Thursday.
Guyer went 3-for-3 in a Minor League game on Saturday.
"I don't think we have to slow [Guyer] down, but I think we want to be aware that we are trying to get him ready for the long haul," Francona said. "I know [Opening Day] is a big day and guys shoot for it, but we like to get him back and keep him back healthy. We have talked to him about that a little bit. We don't want to slow guys down just to slow them down."
For Guyer's part, he's just happy to get back on the field.
"Ever since my surgery in October, [Opening Day] has been my target," Guyer said. "Is it going to happen or not? I don't know. It's been my goal. But at the same time, I don't want to risk missing the majority of my season rushing to get back to Opening Day."
Injury updates
José Ramírez (right ankle contusion) returned to the lineup on Monday. He exited Saturday's game after being struck on the ankle by a throw on a steal attempt of third. Ramirez was out of the lineup on Sunday.

Danny Salazar (right shoulder inflammation) is working out with a weighted ball and is throwing from 130 feet. He hopes to throw off the mound this weekend.
Bradley Zimmer was scratched from Monday's game with mild left groin tightness.
Camp battles
Rajai Davis, who is among the outfield invitees in camp on a Minor League contract, could be close to earning a roster spot. His main competition, Melvin Upton Jr., was released on Monday.

Cleveland bond
Francona has faced his own set of health challenges in recent years, so it was no surprise he sympathized with Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Ty Lue, who announced he was stepping away from the NBA to focus on his health.
The two have become friendly over the years. Francona's season tickets were right behind Lue's spot on the Cleveland bench at Quicken Loans Arena, just a short walk from Progressive Field. The Indians and Cavaliers share a parking garage.
"I watch Ty on the sidelines, he looks under control and you don't ever see him ranting and raving, but I'm guessing on the inside he probably is, and I know that's how I feel at times," Francona said. "You feel the need to be a leader so when everything starts to spin out of control and you want to react, that's when you can't and it doesn't mean you are not churning on the inside."
Last summer, Francona had a procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat.
"I'll certainly be thinking of him," Francona said. "I think the best way for me to go about this is to wish him well where he can get back to doing what he wants to do, rather than try to make an assessment, because I have no idea."
Worth noting
• Indians starter Josh Tomlin gave up three runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Giants on Monday. He has allowed nine earned runs to go with 12 strikeouts and three walks in his four Cactus League outings.

• Yonder Alonso went 3-for-3 with two home runs and four RBIs on Monday. He has hit three home runs in the past two games and has five overall this spring.
• Gio Urshela, who is competing with Erik González for the utility job, hit a double in the ninth inning and was escorted off the field by a member of the training staff. He was diagnosed with right hamstring tightness.
"He got a little pinch behind the knee," Francona said. "Hopefully, it's nothing."
Up next
After a scheduled off-day on Tuesday, the Tribe resumes Cactus League play at 9:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday as Carlos Carrasco starts against the Royals at Goodyear Ballpark. Watch it live on Sports Time Ohio and MLB.TV or listen to an exclusive webcast.