CLEVELAND -- Infielder Gio Urshela began his rehab assignment on Friday after landing on the 10-day disabled list in late March with a mild right hamstring strain, which means a roster decision could be nearing for the Indians.
The 26-year-old played six innings for Triple-A Columbus and went 0-for-3. He had a clean day defensively at third base, turning a double play.
Urshela is allowed 20 days before the rehab assignment has to end, but Indians manager Terry Francona said that he imagined Urshela wouldn't need the full term. Since he is out of options, Urshela would need to be placed on the active roster or be exposed to waivers, where the team would certainly lose him.
Here's where things become problematic: the Indians current backup infielder, 26-year-old Erik Gonzalez, is also out of options. The team likely won't be able to keep two backup infielders -- in addition to five outfielders -- so they will need to choose between Urshela and Gonzalez.

"We know Gio really well," Francona said. "We know what both of them do when healthy. So you want to get both guys to the point where they're healthy. If they're swinging the bat good, that certainly helps, but we kind of know what they do and who they are."
Both Urshela and Gonzalez are versatile defensively and fill similar roles. Urshela slashed .224/.262/.288 last season, while Gonzalez hit .255/.272/.418 in 2017 but is hitless in seven plate appearances this year.
Davis recovering well from surprise injury
Outfielder Rajai Davis has recovered quickly from a bizarre injury sustained in Friday's game, enough so that he feels normal again and won't have to miss any game time.
While stealing second base, Davis' helmet came loose, bounced off shortstop Aledmys Diaz's left arm, and hit him just above his left eye. The impact left an open wound and caused swelling, but Davis finished the game after going through the concussion protocol.

After the game, Davis had four stitches put in -- the first time he ever recalls having any stitches -- and the swelling was completely gone by Saturday.