"We told him, 'Knock the door down,'" Francona said. "'Make us call you up.'"
The Indians optioned right-handers Mike Clevinger and Joseph Colon to Triple-A Columbus, and reassigned first baseman Chris Colabello, catcher Erik Kratz, catcher Adam Moore, lefty Tyler Olson, outfielder Daniel Robertson, third baseman Richie Shaffer and Zimmer to Minor League camp.
The Indians are still weighing decisions about the last spot or two in the bullpen, third base and the utility role. Cleveland is also working through the fact that righty Carlos Carrasco's elbow scare earlier in camp has hindered his ability to get as stretched out as the other starters.