Lindor off and running toward Opening Day

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Francisco Lindor showed up to Spring Training focused on checking a box at the end of each day, signifying that he had made progress in his rehab from the right calf strain he sustained in the days leading up to the start of Spring Training. Now, he only has one more thing to cross off the list.

On Wednesday, Indians manager Terry Francona said that his shortstop had been out running the bases that morning at a pretty decent effort. Although he may not have been at top speed, Lindor said he went on to play in the Minor League game, running at nearly 100 percent.

The only thing left for him to accomplish is playing in a Major League game.

"I feel good," Lindor said. "I'm in a program and protocol and following it. I believe in the trainers. They are doing an outstanding job and when they say it's good to go, I'll be good to go."

The big question still remains: Will Lindor be ready to go for Opening Day?

Francona has said all week that they will be checking with the 25-year-old to see how he feels as he continues to ramp up his activity. And while Lindor said he tells the athletic training staff every day that he's going to be ready for Opening Day, he understands the importance of the bigger picture.

"I want to play this game. That's why I'm here," Lindor said. "And I want to help my team. But that's why [the trainers are] good at what they do. They can slow people down to make sure they don't rush it. The goal is not Opening Day. The goal is to be there for a full season and help my team in the playoffs, God willing that we make it."

Lindor doesn't think he needs to play in a Cactus League game in order to break camp with the team and also said he doesn't need many at-bats to be ready to go for the regular season.

"Baseball is such a crazy sport that I have five at-bats and feel great and then have 60 at-bats and Opening Day be completely lost. You know?" Lindor said. "Taking the at-bats -- that way they can see that I'm all right, I can play."

The Indians know there is a good chance for cold weather in Minneapolis next week when the season gets underway, but Lindor said that should not be a factor in determining whether he'll be able to play.

"It's going to be cold, but I'm sure with calf sleeves, heaters and all the cream they can get, I'm sure it'll be warm," Lindor said. "I mean, that's the beauty of Spring Training. It's always hot and then you show up to 25-degree weather. That's how it is."

The three-time All-Star has been playing a few innings at a time in the Indians' Minor League games over the past week and receives about an hour to an hour and a half of treatment after each time he plays. Although he would much rather be able to be competing with his teammates, he seems be enjoying his experience with the younger players.

"They're going all out and I'm trying to pace myself," Lindor said. "And it makes me not take anything for granted because at the end of the day they want to be here and they're working as hard as they can to be up here."