Akron right-hander Adam Plutko has a stellar outing, giving up two runs on just three hits in eight innings, striking out eight.

Adam PlutkoAkron RubberDucks 

The Akron RubberDucks didn't get many hits Thursday night but they made them count, getting solo homers from third baseman Yandy Diaz and first baseman Ronny Rodriguez in a 4-2 victory at Altoona, Pa.

The RubberDucks' continued hitting struggles didn't matter because Akron right-hander Adam Plutko (6-4, 2.81 ERA) had a stellar outing, giving up two runs on just three hits in eight innings, striking out eight.

The win breaks a three-game losing streak for the RubberDucks in the Class AA Eastern League.

Rodriguez's homer to start the fifth inning tied the game, 2-2, and Diaz hit a solo shot to start the sixth, giving the RubberDucks a 3-2 lead.

Rodriguez also had an RBI triple in the second inning, while Diaz brought in a run in the eighth with a sacrifice fly.

The RubberDucks had five hits total, getting four off Curve right-hander Jason Creasy (8-5. 4.43 ERA), who surrendered three runs in six innings.

GM Chris Antonetti says the second half of the season will be about assessing their current club and seeing as many young players as possible in preparation for next year.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Do the Indians have another trade to make after sending outfielders David Murphy to the Angles and Brandon Moss to the Cardinals in the last three days?

The deadline for making a trade without waivers is 4 p.m. Friday. So the clock is running

"We will definitely be active," said GM Chris Antonetti. "Whether that results in additional deals I'm not sure. But we'll be active."

The Indians acquired left-hander Rob Kaminsky, the Cardinals' No.1 pick in 2013, in the Moss deal. Antonetti said Kaminsky, 20, would be sent to Class A Lynchburg.

"Rob is guy we've liked for quite a while," said Antonetti. "He's a left-handed pitcher who has a good fastball with good life to it. He generates a lot of ground balls, keeps the ball in the ballpark and has a really good complement of secondary pitches."

Kaminsky went 6-5 with a 2.09 ERA in 17 starts for Palm Beach, St. Louis' advanced Class A team. He struck out 79 and walked 27 in 94 2/3 innings.

"He'll show a plus curveball and a good change up," said Antonetti. "We think he has a chance to develop into a solid major league starting pitcher."

Kaminsky was the Cardinals' No. 5 prospect according to Baseball America.

The change in direction for the Indians this season has been sudden. They're no longer talking about the wild card. The focus now is on assessing the current 25-man roster and getting a look at as many young players as possible in the second half.

Outfielder Tyler Holt replaced Murphy. Lonnie Chisenhall, the Tribe's opening day third baseman, was recalled Thursday to take Moss' spot on the roster. Chisenhall is expected to see playing time in right field, first base and third.

Manager Terry Francona indicated that first baseman Jesus Aguilar, sent down earlier this week, will get another look as well.

"We have to make sure we learn something about ourselves in the second half of the season," said Antonetti.

Moss led the Indians with 15 homers and ranked second in RBI with 50. His inability to string together consistently productive at-bats, however, was a big part for the failure of the Tribe's offense.

"In talking to Brandon last night when I told him about the trade, he expressed a lot of frustration," said Antonetti. "The thing we've all seen from Brandon is how much he cares, how passionate he is ... almost, at times, maybe too much.

"He wanted so desperately to be that person in the middle of the lineup that maybe that was difficult for him to do."

Moss hit .217 (73-for-337) with a team-high 106 strikeouts. He slashed .217/.288/.408.

St. Louis assumed what was left on Moss' $6.5 million contract. The Indians sent cash with Murphy to the Angels to cover what was left on his $6 million contract. That amount has yet to be determined.

If the Angels don't exercise Murphy's club option for 2016, the Indians will pay his $500,000 buyout.

Francona, in his first two years managing the Indians, produced winning seasons. The Indians won 92 games in 2013 and won a wild cart spot. He has produced 10 straight winning seasons going back to his days in Boston. That streak is in danger.

The Indians went into Thursday's series against the A's at 46-54, 15 games out of first place in the AL Central. They were six games out of the second wild card spot.

"I think the worst thing we could do is get through the season, regardless of our record, and not find out about some of our younger players," said Francona. "So the trade with Moss is obviously about helping the future when you get a pitcher, but also open some at-bats for guys like Holt."

Antonetti and Francona have talked to different players to explain their situation and course of action.

"I talk to the guys a lot," said Francona. "We played ourselves into this situation. When the game starts, nothing changes. You don't ever sacrifice trying to win a game.

"But Chris and his guys have a responsibility to take care of the organization. Our responsibility is on the field. To this point we haven't done a very good job of it."

He's back: Chisenhall hit .280 (44-for-157) with 13 doubles, three homers and 21 RBI in 40 games at Columbus. He was demoted on June 7 along with shortstop Jose Ramirez.

He's been playing right field and third for the Clippers. Last year he played some first base for the Indians.

"These last two months we're going to go see where we are for next year," said Chisenhall, 26. "We'll try to win some games, spoil a few people and have a good time."

Francona liked the idea that Chisenhall volunteered to play different positions so he could be a better asset to the team.

"That's how you have a career," said Francona.

When Chisenhall was demoted, he was hitting .209 (37-for-177) with four homers and 19 RBI in 52 games.

"I just kept swinging," said Chisenhall, when asked how he found his swing at Columbus. "You're never as far away as young think and you're never as good as you think.

"I know I'm not a .200 hitter. You just go up there and keep swinging and running the bases hard. There was no overhaul. It's going to look the same, hopefully, with different results."

Finally: Center field prospect Tyler Naquin was placed on the disabled list at Class AAA Columbus with a concussion after hitting the outfield fence Wednesday.

"We're re-evaluating him today," said Antonetti. "He collided with the wall. We're obviously very careful with it. We wanted to make sure we were prudent. We removed him from the game because anytime you have a head or neck involvement you're fearful of a concussion."

Antonetti said Naquin showed signs of improvement Thursday, but is still under observation.

The Indians have received three straight complete games from Carlos Carrasco, Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer. It's the first time the Indians have done that since 1994. Watch video

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Indians raised the white flag Tuesday when they traded David Murphy to the Angels.

They raised it again Thursday when they sent Brandon Moss to St. Louis and said they are now looking at the second half as a chance to assess their roster and look at as many young players as possible.

So why didn't they do this a long time ago? Since the Indians have turned their back on contention, they've won two straight games and looked good doing it.

They thumped the AL Central-leading Royals, 12-1, Wednesday to end a six-game losing streak. On Thursday night, after a cross-country flight, they struck early and then let Carlos Carrasco do the rest in a 3-1 victory over Oakland at O.co Coliseum.

The A's and Indians are in the same weight class. Before the Indians traded Murphy and Moss, the A's shipped left-hander Scott Kazmir to Houston. The Indians reside in last place in the AL Central and the A's are the cellar-dwellers of the AL West.

So this is about as even a series as you're going to get.

The Indians took a 3-0 lead in the first against Chris Bassitt (0-4, 3.10), who pitched well against them on July 11 in a six-inning no decision. Jason Kipnis started the game with a single, but was caught stealing when Francisco Lindor didn't get a sacrifice bunt done.

Lindor redeemed himself when he reached on a single and scored on Michael Brantley's double down the left field line. Brantley wasn't credited with an RBI because the ball bounced by left fielder Sam Fuld as it came off the grandstand, allowing Lindor to score and Brantley to reach third.

Carlos Santana followed with a long homer to center to make it 3-0. Santana hit a 1-1 pitch for his 12^th homer. He has hit all of them from the left side of the plate.

Oakland came back with a run of its own in the first on Josh Reddick's double. After that it was all Carrasco, who threw the Indians third straight complete game following Corey Kluber on Wednesday and Trevor Bauer on Tuesday.

It's the first time the Indians have had three straight complete games since Mark Clark, Jack Morris and Charles Nagy did it against the Twins from July 1 through July 2, 1994.

Carrasco (11-8, 4.03) threw a two-hitter, striking out seven and walking one. Oakland's last baserunner was Brett Lawrie, who walked with one out in the fourth before being erased on a great double play started by third baseman Giovanny Urshela.

The last 16 A's went down in order. They did not have a hit after the first inning.

Carrasco threw 103 pitches, 72 for strikes.

What it means

The Indians (47-54) continue to play the role of road warrior. Thursday's win made them 27-22 away from Progressive Field. As good as they are on the road, they're that bad at home, going 20-32.

Did you see that?

Urshela started one of the top double plays of the season in the third inning.

He sprinted down the left field line to catch Marcus Semien's flare. By the time Urshela caught the ball and righted himself, Lawrie, running from first, had already made the turn at second. He was an easy double play victim.

Double down

Brantley's double in the first inning gave him 30 for the season He went into the game second in the AL behind Kipnis.

In three of the last four years, Brantley has hit 30 or more doubles in a season. Last year he hit a career-high 45 doubles.

What's next?

RHP Danny Salazar (8-6, 3.72) vs. RHP Kendall Graveman (6-7, 4.13) on Friday night at 9: 05 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM, WMMS will carry the game.

Salazar will be making his 19^th start. He's coming off a tough 2-1 loss to the White Sox on July 26. Salazar is 1-0 against the A's this year.

Graveman is 0-3 with a 10.22 ERA in his last three starts. The opposition is hitting .357 against him in those games. He lost to the Salazar and the Indians on July 10 at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Carlos Carrasco threw a two-hitter and Carlos Santana hit a two-run homer as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland Athletics, 3-1, Thursday night at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Tribe shortstop Francisco Lindor went 2-for-4 -- the only player in the game with multiple hits. The Indians (47-54) have won two in a row. They are...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Carlos Carrasco threw a two-hitter and Carlos Santana hit a two-run homer as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland Athletics, 3-1, Thursday night at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Tribe shortstop Francisco Lindor went 2-for-4 -- the only player in the game with multiple hits.

The Indians (47-54) have won two in a row. They are 27-22 on the road.

The Athletics (45-58) have lost six of seven.

Here are the main reasons the Indians won:

Cookie Express: Carrasco gave the franchise three straight complete games for the first time since 1994. Trevor Bauer lost to the Royals on Tuesday and Corey Kluber defeated the Royals on Wednesday; both of those games were at Progressive Field.

Carrasco (11-8, 4.03 ERA) rebounded from a rough start against the White Sox in Cleveland. He is 4-0 in his past five road starts, all Tribe victories.

Against the Athletics, Carrasco allowed an infield single to Billy Burns and RBI double to Josh Reddick in the first inning. He walked one and struck out seven. He retired the final 16 batters (17 outs).

Carrasco threw 72 of 103 pitches for strikes. In a one-error third, Carrasco threw 8-of-8 strikes. In a perfect seventh, he went 6-of-7. In a perfect ninth, he was 7-of-8.

Carrasco dominated with a mid-90s fastball, breaking pitch and split-changeup. He stayed on top of all of his pitches as well as he has all season, enabling him to consistently work down in the zone or below. He recorded 14 outs via grounders.

Fast start: The Indians jumped Oakland righty and former Akron Zip Chris Bassitt for three runs in the first. Their first four batters notched hits, two of which occurred in pitcher's counts.

Jason Kipnis led off by slapping a 1-0 fastball to left for a single. As Francisco Lindor missed a first-pitch bunt attempt, Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt spotted a too-eager Kipnis far off first. Kipnis was erased in a rundown.

Lindor re-ignited by slapping a 1-2 fastball up the middle for a single. He displayed  excellent bat control against a pitch running off the outside corner at the knees.

Fox SportsTime Ohio analyst Rick Manning said: "What Lindor is doing so well now is, when he gets to two strikes, he's finding a way to put the ball in play. If you put the ball in play, good things can happen.''

Michael Brantley, down in the count, 0-2, shot a fastball near the left-field line. The ball caromed off the side wall and through the legs of Sam Fuld, enabling Lindor to score and Brantley to reach third. Brantley was credited with a double but no RBI because of the Fuld error.

Carlos Santana smashed a 1-1 fastball over the center-field wall for a two-run homer to give the Indians a 3-0 lead. Santana, who appreciated the swinging room Bassitt provided, stayed on a pitch that was down.

The key to the uprising was the Tribe's Nos. 1-4 having allowed Bassitt's fastball to work for them. They were rewarded for not trying to do too much (read: pull).

At that point, the Indians had scored 13 in their past four innings. On Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland, they scored six in the sixth and four in the eighth en route to a 12-1 victory over the Royals.

Quality defense: Tribe third baseman Giovanny Urshela and shortstop Lindor once again impacted a game with their gloves.

Urshela made a fantastic play in the fourth to spare Carrasco potential trouble and perhaps alter the course of the game.

With one out, Brett Lawrie walked. All-Star Vogt, a left-handed batter, popped an 0-1 pitch down the left-field line. Urshela sprinted back, reached high with the backhand and caught the ball. He turned to discover Lawrie -- convinced Vogt had a well-placed duck-snort -- past second. Urshela threw to second baseman Kipnis, who flipped to first baseman Santana for the double play.

With two outs in the Oakland fifth, Marcus Semien hit a chopper toward third. Urshela charged, fielded and fired to erase him. Urshela made a difficult play seem routine.

Notable: With Brandon Moss having been traded to St. Louis, Santana leads the Tribe with 12 homers. He is the only Indian in double digits. ... The Indians have hit five homers in two games. ... Kipnis went 1-for-4 and is 10-for-17 in his past four games. ... Lindor has hit safely in 11 of 13 games since the All-Star break (19 total hits). ... Brantley, despite dealing with a balky back the entire season, is batting .300 with an .832 OPS, 30 doubles and more walks (46) than strikeouts (30). ... Bassitt (7 IP, 6 H, 3 R) was 2-for-2 in quality starts against Cleveland in 2015. ... Oakland left two on base; Cleveland, one.

BEREA, Ohio -- One day down in Browns training camp. One day closer to the start of the 2015 season. Training camp will continue in Berea on Friday with practice slated to run from 9:30 a.m. until noon. All tickets for training camp have been claimed. Until then, here are five stories that you might have missed from Thursday....

BEREA, Ohio -- One day down in Browns training camp. One day closer to the start of the 2015 season.

Training camp will continue in Berea on Friday with practice slated to run from 9:30 a.m. until noon. All tickets for training camp have been claimed.

Until then, here are five stories that you might have missed from Thursday.

What does Johnny Manziel's horrible series on the first day of camp mean?

Mary Kay Cabot

"But none of that should set the alarm bells off in Berea.

"The Browns have made it clear that Manziel is still learning the pro game. That's why he's not competing for the starting job with Josh McCown this summer. The coaches are teaching him how to be an NFL quarterback and he's a work in progress. The lights might not even come on this year." Read more >>

Browns teammates Johnny Manziel and Terrelle Pryor seek redemption in an unforgiving league

Tom Reed

"Johnny Manziel and Terrelle Pryor each made the No. 2 jersey famous at their respective universities. Both were dual-threat quarterbacks long on potential and short on restraint -- at least in the eyes of NCAA compliance officers. They created excitement and controversy; oozed athleticism and entitlement.

"Then, they arrived in the NFL and discovered how quickly the game played at this level can expose weakness and shortcomings." Read more >>

Cleveland Browns training camp scribbles about Terrelle Pryor, Dwayne Bowe, quarterbacks and more

Terry Pluto

"But the young defensive back who impressed me in the OTAs and again Thursday was Pierre Desir, the fourth-rounder from 2014. At 6-2 and 206 pounds, he has the size to cover taller receivers. Veteran Tramon Williams (signed from Green Bay) is starting at cornerback along with Joe Haden. Gilbert and Desir are batting for backup spots." Read more >>

Joe Haden on Terrelle Pryor's 1st day at WR: 'He's fast, he's huge, and it looks like it could work'

Mary Kay Cabot

"(Pryor)'s already gotten the attention of Browns Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden, who covers the best of the best every single week.

"'We ran the conditioning test yesterday, and this is my first time I got a chance to meet Pryor, and he's huge,' said Haden. 'His stride length, he was running with the receivers and DBs, and he killed the whole conditioning test, so he can run, obviously. Now, it's just seeing what his hands look like, how he comes out of his routes. I didn't go up against him today, but I just can't wait to look at him and see what he does because he looks the part, for sure.'" Read more >>

Cleveland Browns rookie Danny Shelton bought his mom a house

Dan Labbe

"Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton could fairly be described as being as big as a house. So it makes sense that the rookie spent the break before his first NFL training camp buying his family one.

"'Had to buy my family a house first, so I bought them a house in Washington. Got them all settled,' said Shelton after practice on Friday. 'And then just found time to work out in the backyard, work out at the University of Washington and work out at my high school.'" Read more >>

After Carlos Carrasco made sure he was no longer tipping his pitches and was told by manager Terry Francona that he wasn't getting traded, the Oakland A's were in trouble. Watch video

OAKLAND, Calif. - To do what Carlos Carrasco did on Thursday night, a pitcher has to have his mind right. Consider Carrasco's mind as right as rain.

First, he worked with pitching coach Mickey Callaway on his delivery to make sure he was no longer tipping his pitches. Then he met with manager Terry Francona on the trade rumors that were buzzing around his ears.

After that the Oakland A's didn't stand a chance.

Carrasco threw a two-hitter Thursday night in the Indians 3-1 win over the A's. He ended the game with 16 straight outs and allowed just two hitters to reach base after the first inning.

How good did Carrasco feel?

Better than when he came within one strike or a LeBron James-sized second baseman of throwing a no-hitter against Tampa Bay on July 1 at Tropicana Field.

"I felt stronger tonight," said Carrasco, when asked for a comparison. "I felt more consistent with my pitches down and way and inside. I faced these guys at home just before the All-Star break and I had something in mind about how to pitch them.

"I just reversed everything I did when I faced them at home."

On July 1 Carrasco had a 0-2 count on Joey Butler with two out in the ninth inning. He needed one more strike to become the first Indian since Lenny Barker in 1981 to throw a no-hitter. Butler lined that 0-2 pitch just over Jason Kipnis' head at second base for Tampa Bay's only hit of the game.

Kipnis is 5-11. King James is 6-8. Who knows if a few more inches in height would have made Carrasco a baseball immortal?

The White Sox knocked Carrasco around in his last start to the tune of six runs on seven hits in four innings. He felt he was tipping his pitches so he studied video and worked on his delivery with Callaway.

"It was something with my glove," said Carrasco. "I moved my glove too much. "Tonight I made sure to hold my glove in the middle of my body. Before I was holding it different and hitters see everything."

If Carrasco was tipping anything Thursday night, the A's didn't see it.

"There was nothing the hitters could do tonight," said Oakland starter and loser Chris Bassitt. "He was throwing four plus pitches for strikes. That's just not fair."

Oakland's All-Star catcher Stephen Vogt took a 0-for-3 against Carrasco.

"He was some kind of good," said Vogt. "That's one of the best rotations in the game. We've got our work cut out for us in this series."

Carrasco's name started surfacing in trade rumors late last week. One rumor had Toronto making a big push for him. Before Carrasco took the mound against the A's, it was announced Toronto acquired left-hander David Price from the Tigers.

Francona thought the rumors were bothering Carrasco.

"I told him, 'Teams call. You're coveted. That's a good thing,'" said Francona. "But we're not dying to let our pitching go away. And they (the pitchers) know that."

Carrasco said the talk helped.

"Tito told me, "We're not going to trade you,'" said Carraso. "I said fine. I don't care what I hear. I'm still here and I'm still working. That's what we need to do."

The deadline for trades without waivers is 4 p.m. ET Friday.

Carrasco's complete game was the third straight by an Indians pitcher. It's the first time they've done that since 1994.

"It's good," said Carrasco. "It creates a little competition with your teammates. They already told Danny Salazar that he was to throw one on Friday."

Salazar faces to A's on Friday night.

Browns cornerback Joe Haden was curious to see how Terrelle Pryor would look in his new role as a wide receiver. "He looks the part for sure,'' said Haden. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor cradled in a hook route from quarterback Connor Shaw in team drills, turned upfield and finished off the play, running into the end zone to a chorus of cheers and chants of T.P.! T.P.!

It was Pryor's first day as NFL wide receiver, and he didn't disappoint. It was an abbreviated practice in no pads, but Pryor stole the spotlight even from Johnny Manziel, in part because of his incredible size, speed and potential. He's listed at 6-4, 223, but he's closer to 6-5, and has almost a foot on the tiniest receiver in camp, former Glenville star Shane Wynn, who's 5-6, 167.

When Pryor has a chance to turn on the jets, he'll likely blow past plenty of defenders with his 4.3-4.4 speed.

"I just think I'm big and I don't think a lot of those guys can run with me,'' Pryor said after practice of what he brings to the table.

He's already gotten the attention of Browns Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden, who covers the best of the best every single week.

"We ran the conditioning test yesterday, and this is my first time I got a chance to meet Pryor, and he's huge,'' said Haden. "His stride length, he was running with the receivers and DBs, and he killed the whole conditioning test, so he can run, obviously. Now, it's just seeing what his hands look like, how he comes out of his routes. I didn't go up against him today, but I just can't wait to look at him and see what he does because he looks the part, for sure.''

Does he remind Haden of suspended Browns receiver Josh Gordon?

"As far as size-wise, he's a little bigger than J.G., but as far as fluid and being able to run effortless and coming up out of their routes, I haven't really been able to check him to see what he's got, but he's fast, he's huge, and it looks like it could work,'' said Haden.

Pryor, who's in phenomenal shape, also passed for the eyeball test for Pettine -- and for all the fans in the stands and on the sidelines shouting his name. In addition to the short pass from Shaw, he caught an intermediate out-route from Thad Lewis in team drills.  

"He looks great in a uniform," Pettine said. "I can tell you that. He's a big, explosive athlete. I think we all saw he catches the ball. He's got a lot to learn. Getting off of press coverage, that'll be a thing, especially once we get into pads on Saturday. But I thought it was a solid first step for him. I would think he'd have some confidence coming out of today.

"A lot of credit to (receivers coach) Joker Phillips who's taken him as his position coach and is getting him schooled up, trying to get him caught up to speed. I think he's done a nice job of getting him lined up and knowing what he's supposed to do. We'll see. It's certainly going to be a progression, but I thought it was a good start for Terrelle."

Pryor, who's coming to Cleveland eager to learn, has heeded the words of fellow former Buckeyes Brian Hartline and Donte Whitner, who have warned him this metamorphosis won't be easy.

"Like Brian and Donte said, it's a tough task, it's a tall task,'' said Pryor. "I know that. But anyone who's competitive, that's what you chase after. It's a tough task and something so steep it makes you want to pursue it and go harder. I think that's where my mindset is right now. I'm asking a lot of questions, being humble, being a sponge and taking in everyone's word. If I just keep going on that it gives me the best chance of possibly doing it.''

Pryor received kudos after practice from quarterback Josh McCown, who spent three days working with him last week at the Randy Moss Academy in Charlotte, N.C., where McCown lives.

"Josh McCown just came up to me and said, 'Hey, man. You look real good. Just stay confident. You caught the ball very well. Just use your speed like you've been doing and everything will go well. Just keep stacking the days,' '' said McCown. "He's a great leader, and I can relate because I played that position [quarterback] for five years. I thought it was positive just to get some feedback and when we get into the film room I'll learn even more."

Pryor rekindled a little of that Buckeye magic with Hartline, with whom he spent a year at Ohio State.

"It was funny,'' said Pryor. "After we were running our conditioning test (a series of 60-yard sprints) yesterday, he's the same old Hartline. I was like, 'all right, I'm going to come out and win all of them' and he was right beside me the whole time. He's a Buckeye. He's a grinder and he sets a good foundation for the Browns as a leader. I'm definitely happy to learn from him."

Pryor also spent time between drills talking with other receivers such as Dwayne Bowe, who's more than willing to help him. But has he felt any backlash from a group of players who have spent their whole lives honing their craft? Even Hartline cautioned the other day that he's been working at receiver all of his life.

"You know what, I don't even know if I can answer that,'' said Pryor. "I just have to put my best foot forward and learn as much as possible from these guys. They're pros and they've been doing it from college, got drafted and it's a tough task, it's a tall task. I'm all for it. All I can do is stay in the book, stay in it mentally and play physical and just give my best effort. We can only control what we can control in this world, especially in our world.''

Pryor acknowledged that it's the little things that will make or break him.

"The hands part's not going to be a problem,'' he said. "The hands part, the running, it's like (one reporter said), 'What makes you think that you can walk in here?' But these guys, there's different things, like details, there's savviness, different moves, like cutting down a split on a play. They have that upper hand on that. That's just something that I think I need to work on, be able to pay attention to and try to grasp as fast as possible to not give the route away and help myself get to the route.''

Pryor, who's leaving no stone unturned in his bid to make the quantum leap from quarterback to wideout, has already solicited help from Haden, who loves to school Browns receivers on all things DB.

"His locker's next to me, so he's asking me (questions),'' said Haden. "Literally, he wants me to come out here early with him and work releases, so that's going to be fun just being able to judge him and try to give him some hints and things to help him out.''

Haden will share all the things a receiver can do to confound a defensive back.

"Just coming in and out of your breaks, being able to be physical on your releases, being able to judge the ball, go up and get it out of the air,'' said Haden. "Because he's a big dude, that's one thing that you would think those big guys would be able to do. Just being able to catch the ball fluidly, not looking like it's hard to catch the ball.

"You're playing wide receiver in the NFL, and you know people have been practicing their whole life to make that position, so once you go from quarterback to receiver, you've still got to be able to look like a receiver, not a quarterback that changed to receiver. I'll be able to tell, more and more, as we go through camp.''
Haden, a former high school quarterback, was just as curious as everyone else to witness the new kid on the block.

"For me, yes, definitely because this is somebody that's known,'' he said. "This was the first time I met him yesterday, but I've watched him. I know exactly who he is and what he can do at the quarterback position.''

Pryor, a former dual-threat quarterback who rushed for 576 yards in 2013 in Oakland, where current Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo was his position coach, isn't afraid to take a hit.

"I don't really think it will be a big deal because I've dropped back and I've had concussions, gotten knocked out and I've been hit by guys and I don't know when they're coming,'' said Pryor. "If I take a hit, take a hit and just try to protect yourself and play ball. I've been playing since I was 4 years old."

Pryor, a native of Jeannette, Pa., outside Pittsburgh, didn't bother to familiarize himself with Kordell "Slash'' Stewart, who played quarterback and receiver for the Steelers.

"No, because he kind of didn't want to be a receiver,'' said Pryor. "If you're going to do something, no matter what it is, you've got to do it wholeheartedly or it's time to get out. Anytime you see me on the field, you're going to see full effort, and you're going to see me go all out, because that's all I got. And that's what I want to do. I want to try to be a great receiver, as great as I can be.''

Pryor wasn't even disappointed that DeFilippo didn't view him a quarterback for the Browns.

"I'm a realist and I understand how life works and I'm not going to keep on pursuing something when I turn 30 years old and I have no chance,'' he said. "So, why not use the God-given ability that I have.  I believe I can do it, it's just going to take a lot of hard work."

Going against the Browns' premier secondary all summer, Pryor will have a good idea if he can cut it by the end.

"If he can do it out here he can do it on Sunday for sure,'' said Haden.

Judging from his first day, Pryor is well on his way.

 

Listen to the Friday edition of our training camp podcast.

BEREA, Ohio -- Day two of training camp is in the books. Ray Farmer spoke today and the offense took a step forward.

On today's camp podcast, hear what Mike Pettine and Farmer had to say after practice. I also caught up with Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto and determine the three things we learned from camp today.

Check back every weekday practice day for a new podcast. Monday is an off day, so the podcast will be back on Tuesday.

Download the podcast by clicking here.

The Indians promoted first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands from Class AAA Columbus.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Carlos Carrasco is still with the Indians. Marc Rzpeczynski is not.

The Indians traded Rzepczynski to San Diego right before the 4 p.m. deadline Friday for switch-hitting outfielder Abraham Almonte. The Indians optioned Almonte to Class AAA Columbus.

The was Rzepczynski's third season with the Indians and he proved to be a useful left-hander out of manager Terry Francona's bullpen. This is his fifth big-league season, which means he is eligible for arbitration for one more year.

He's making $2.4 million this year and could jump to close to $5 million in 2016. When relievers reach this stage of their career, they can outprice themselves with certain teams.

That probaby played a role in this move as well.

This year Rzepczynski is 2-3 with 4.43 ERA in 45 appearances. He struck out 24, walked 10 and allowed 10 earned runs in 20 1/3 innings. Last year he set a career high with 73 appearances.

GM Chris Antonetti said the trade of Rzepczynski will allow the Indians to look at some younger pitchers in the second half.

In a corresponding move, the Indians promoted first baseman Jerry Sands from Class AAA Columbus.

Sands, who opened the season with the Indians, was hitting .287 (64-for-223) with 14 homers and 46 RBI at Columbus.

In two other moves, Josh Tomlin was activated from the 60-day disabled list and optioned to Columbus. Tomlin underwent surgery on his right shoulder in March.

Right-hander Toru Murata was outrighted from Columbus. Murata made his big league debut with the Indians this year. He was 9-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 19 games, including 18 starts, at Columbus.

Defending race champion Scott Dixon has the fastest practice lap Friday, but local favorite Graham Rahal is not far behind for Saturday's qualifying.

LEXINGTON, Ohio -- Based on Friday's IndyCar practice, Saturday's qualifying will be a very tight battle.

Defending race winner Scott Dixon had the fastest lap of the day at 123.230 mph Friday afternoon at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. But close behind was Sebastian Bourdais, the 2014 pole sitter at Mid-Ohio at 123.128 mph.

"I'm pretty happy,'' Bourdais said. "Same old Mid-Ohio. It's a lot of fun when the car is right."

Action at the track will continue Saturday with a full day of racing.

Also fast at the 13-turn road course was defending series champion Will Power at 123.018 mph, with local favorite Graham Rahal at 122.968. The focus, however, is on Dixon and his Chip Ganassi race team, as they have combined to win seven of the last eight races here. Of those, Dixon has won three of the last four.

"Hope we can keep that trend going,'' Dixon said.

Around the track: Former race team owner and 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran sat in the Honda chalet and talked about the impact of limited testing on the IndyCar circuit. Under the current rules, IndyCar teams are only allowed 16 test days, total, from September 2014 to the end of this season.

And that contrasts greatly from when he first came to America from France to begin his top tier open wheel racing career. Understand, it wasn't that long ago when young drivers often earned their seats as test drivers. Perhaps the most, and last, notable driver with that profile was Paul Tracy, who signed as a test driver for Roger Penske.

"When I first came to America I did about 5,000 miles worth of testing (in his first year),'' de Ferran said.

The current decision for limited testing is to drive down costs, but de Ferran said, in the long run, that is not the case.

"Don't get me started on that,'' he chuckled. "Yes, it costs money to test. But if you are making decisions that are not completely understood, then having to make future decisions on what may or may not be in line with with what you decided before, you can wind up spending more money trying to adjust and correct, instead of solving one issue definitively then going on to the next.

"This is an issue throughout all of motorsports, from Formula One to NASCAR, not just IndyCar. People think it (less testing) saves money, but in the long run it does not seem cost effective to me.''

Thinking positive: In 2013 and 2014, Helio Castroneves arrived at Mid-Ohio holding the points lead, but poor finishes here ultimately doomed him to second place title finishes. This season he arrives at Mid-Ohio sitting fourth in the title chase, but feeling good.

"We still have a good chance,'' said Castroneves, who is 54 points behind teammate and series leader Juan Pablo Montoya with three races to go. "I'm right there and that's a good sign. It's a great opportunity to show what we can do, now that we are in a hunting situation, instead of being the hunted."

Castroneves finished 11th after the final practice at 122.209 mph.

"If they were associated with Woody Hayes, I asked them about Woody Hayes," Harbaugh said. Watch video

CHICAGO -- Here's something to unite Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh -- their love of Woody Hayes.

That's not unusual in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. For those Wolverines who loved Bo Schembechler, an appreciation of Hayes, his mentor and rival, typically goes with that.

But we know how much Meyer is influenced by Hayes and his legacy, and always has been. And Friday Harbaugh, who was clearly tiring of questions after a long day of interviews, was sincere when talking about his knowledge of and admiration for the Ohio State coaching legend.

It's worth watching the video above to not only to hear the words, but to see how invested Harbaugh was in the answer.

"Deep abiding respect and admiration," Michigan's first-year coach said when I asked him for his impression of Hayes. "He was one of the greatest coaches that ever coached the game. I was well-read on Coach Hayes, but also I had the advantage of hearing a lot of stories growing up about Woody Hayes. From my dad, from other coaches that were friends of my dad's ... If they were associated with Woody Hayes, I asked them, 'Tell me about Woody Hayes,' and what their relationship was like with him. I view him as one of the all-time greats."

Harbaugh's father, Jack, was an assistant at Michigan under Schembechler from 1973-79. Harbaugh had just turned 15 when Hayes coached his last game in the 1978 Gator Bowl.

What was it about Hayes that Harbaugh so admired?

"Tremendous football coach. Great presence. Great presence, a gift of personality. I watched a lot of the old clips, especially the one on the BBC, I loved that documentary," Harbaugh said. "I loved the way he dressed, I loved his hat, the whistle around the neck, just a football coach. 

"And principled. When it came to principles there was a right and a wrong and he was committed and stood for things. Never wavered."

Carlos Santana, whose two-run homer Thursday night proved to be the difference in the Indians 3-1 victory over the A's, is hitting .267 (12-for-45) with two homers and six RBI since the All-Star break.

OAKLAND, Calif -- Here are the lineups for Friday night's game between the Indians and Athletics at O.co Coliseum.

INDIANS

DH Jason Kipnis.

SS Francisco Lindor.

LF Michael Brantley.

1B Carlos Santana

C Yan Gomes.

RF Lonnie Chisenhall.

3B Giovanny Urshela.

CF Michael Bourn

2B Mike Aviles.

RHP Danny Salazar, 8-6, 3.72.

ATHLETICS

CF Billy Burns.

3B Brett Lawrie.

RF Josh Reddick.

1B Ike Davis.

DH Billy Butler.

C Stephen Vogt.

LF Mark Canha.

2B Eric Sogard.

SS Marcus Semien.

RHP Kendall Graveman, 6-7, 4.13.

UMPIRES

H Will Little.

1B Stu Scheurwater.

2B Phil Cuzzi.

3B Gerry Davis, crew chief.

Get updates and chat with beat writer Paul Hoynes on Friday night as the Indians play the A's at O.co Coliseum.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Get live updates and chat in the comments section below with beat writer Paul Hoynes as the Indians and Athletics play the second game of a four-game set Friday night at O.co Coliseum.

Game 102: Indians (47-54) vs. Athletics (45-58)

First pitch: 9:35 p.m. ET at O.co Coliseum.

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7.

This year's camp to feature daily segment of inside running plays to toughen team mentality Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - No matter how testy the Browns' first practice in full pads becomes it won't involve a rookie absorbing a foreman shiver to the chin from a veteran who wrestled 600-pound bears.

Forty years ago, Browns offensive lineman Robert E. Jackson lined up for a "Nutcracker" drill opposite defensive tackle Walter Johnson in front of a sizable crowd at Kent State. The object of the mettle-testing exercise is to shed the block and tackle a halfback who must run between two cones.

Teammates sensed trouble afoot as the ornery Johnson - a wrestler who once applied a headlock to a bear in a cage - adjusted his forearm pad. The former Pro Bowler never wore forearm pads. The ball was supposed to be snapped on a two count. Johnson, nicknamed "Zoom" for his lightning first step, didn't wait. He exploded from his stance, driving the padded forearm into the rookie's jaw.

"He lifted me off the ground," said Jackson, who played 11 NFL seasons. "Zoom was giving me my 'Welcome to the NFL' moment.' I popped up and we had some good battles after that."

Such concussive chicanery is frowned upon in the kinder, gentler environs of today's NFL training camps. But the intensity and volume of practice rises Saturday as the crack of pads fill the air.

There won't be live tackling periods - few NFL teams conduct them anymore for fear of injury - but coach Mike Pettine hinted fans could see some during the course of camp. He's also installing a segment dedicated solely to inside running plays designed to build toughness in the herd.

"It's more to establish the mentality," said Pettine, whose club finished last against the run in 2014. "We're going to have to be able to run the ball, and we're going to have to be able to stop the run. We feel doing that drill every day in pads is going to be a big part of laying that groundwork and a big part of that success."

After spending spring practices in shorts and T-shirts, players armor themselves and prepare to collide. Sometimes, defenders who look fast and difficult to block in June disappear as competition grows physical. The opposite also can hold true.

Coaches are anxious to watch rookie outside linebacker Nate Orchard and veteran Scott Solomon in the coming days. Pettine believes it's hard to measure the progress of such players without the escalation of snarl. Offensive linemen nicknamed Solomon "Bloodbath" for how hard he competes.

"There are some guys that you reserve judgment because their game is based on their physicality," Pettine said "We talk about being a good teammate and not being ultra-physical on teammates and playing within the rules that the league gives us in the off-season for permissible contact. (Orchard) falls into that category. Solomon is another one that you very much look forward to getting him in pads."

The donning of pads often coincides with the flaring of tempers as players fight for starting jobs and roster spots. A year ago, a 20-man skirmish broke out after running back Ben Tate threw a football at defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin.

In recent seasons, nose tackle Phil Taylor and center Alex Mack have produced some memorable dustups. The defensive lineman is recovering from knee surgery, but teammates smile at the thought of Taylor's nasty streak and Mack's relentlessness.

"It seems like it's every single year," defensive lineman Billy Winn said. "I don't know what it is between those two. They are so competitive and it's so fun to watch. Phil is super physical and aggressive and Alex is so technically savvy. He's able to make things happen. It's so fun watching those two go at it because they are so good at what they do."

Saturday's practice gives coaches and fans the first glance at nose guard Danny Shelton in pads. The Browns drafted the 6-foot-2, 339-pound wide body in hopes of stuffing runs and collapsing pockets.

Shelton aims to prove he's more than a two-down player. The worth of his girth will be tested against Mack and impressive second-year guard Joel Bitonio.

"There's more energy around the building," Bitonio said. "Players are excited. Both sides of the team think not having the pads puts them at a disadvantage. We're actually playing football now. What we have been doing up until now is largely the mental things.

"There's a certain toughness, a certain tenacity, a certain leverage point that when you play with pads on makes a huge difference."

Jackson understands the need for player safety. He competed in an era when players earned $200 for a training camp that lasted seven weeks and didn't include an off day for the first three weeks. The former offensive lineman, however, believes teams aren't in "hitting shape" when the season starts because of the absence of live tackling drills.

It's hard to imagine someone like Walter Johnson, who wrestled professionally, in today's NFL camps. In a 1978 interview with the Associated Press, he recalled his fabled match against a bear tougher than Dick Butkus.

"I had him in a headlock," Johnson said. "I almost had him (pinned) when I looked down and saw his muzzle on the floor. I got out of (the cage) until the muzzle was put back on. The bear was upset because he thought he'd won."

If only Johnson had been armed with his trusty forearm pad.

Dwayne Bowe is already convinced that Terrelle Pryor will make the Browns roster. "He's making it look so easy he's starting to scare me.''

Berea, Ohio -- Browns receiver Dwayne Bowe is confident that his new protege Terrelle Pryor will make the team as a receiver.

 "There's no doubt,'' Bowe said after day two of practice. "No doubt. He's extremely talented. He has the work ethic, and he's a team player."

Bowe said he's been astounded by Pryor's quick transformation from quarterback to wideout. He's only seen one other player try to do it, in Kansas City, and there's no comparison.

"He's making it look so easy that he's starting to scare me,'' said Bowe, who led the NFL with 15 TD catches in 2010. "He's going to be really, really good. People think he's just going to come in and be a body. But he's actually going to play here and make plays for this team."

Pryor, working with the second and third-team offense, caught two mid-range passes in team drills from Johnny Manziel on Friday, the second day of Browns training camp.

"I was telling him in meetings today, 'Just stick with it. Be patient. It's going to be hard at first,'' Bowe said.

Barkevious Mingo, the Browns' best coverage 'backer, acknowledged that the 6-4, 223-pounder would be a load to defend.

"He's a big guy and he's fast and that's going to be a mismatch on smaller DBs,'' said Mingo. "And a bigger DB, he's going to be slower, so it's a matchup nightmare.''

Browns general manager Ray Farmer, who acquired Pryor off waivers from the Bengals June 22nd, said the former Ohio State quarterback must demonstrate he can play receiver to make the team.

"Everything will be taken into consideration, his youth, his speed his size, his ability and what his upside is,'' said Farmer.

He said quarterback won't factor into the equation.

"He's here to play a different position,'' said Farmer. "At the end of the day, he'll make it or break it on that."

He's confident that Pryor will be able to catch the ball.

 "I was talking to the scouts this morning and one of the things I learned from an old coach is quarterbacks all have really good hands because they spend their time playing catch,'' Farmer said. "It's not a product of 'can he catch the ball,' the question is if he is a good enough athlete and whether he has the skillset to learn to play receiver. I've seen the guy turn a broken play into a 90-yard touchdown run so I know he has the speed and athleticism.

"Now he has to put two and two together to make the transition. A lot of guys in the NFL if you go back  through their history they have played quarterback at one time in their career.''

As for the notion of keeping only two quarterbacks on the roster with Pryor on board, Farmer said, "You never cut good players. The reality is we'll keep the best 53 guys for our roster."
Farmer addressed several other topics during a press conference Friday:

* On his relationship with Mike Pettine: "Great. The guy doesn't invite you to his summer home if he's mad at you or there's a problem. Mike used it best, we're singing from the same hymnal. The reality is that me and Mike have no issues. I can't tell you when I've ever been in some knockdown, drag-out argument with the man, ever. ...I like Pett, think he likes me. There's nothing that we've ever gotten into from my perspective and from his, as far as I'm concerned, that's ever been any major bone of contention.''

* On if Johnny Manziel can still be an NFL starter: "Used the right way and doing the right things, I think he can. You just have to make sure that the guy is doing all the things necessary to take the next steps as a quarterback. If he does those things, he has the physical skills to do that."

The Indians traded Marc Rzepczynski to San Diego on Friday, leaving manager Terry Francona with only one lefty in the bullpen. Francona said in the coming days moves will be made to get the roster and bullpen in order.

OAKLAND, Calif. - This much we know. The Indians had no real intention of trading a starting pitcher. And if they did, it probably wouldn't have been Carlos Carrasco.

"I was kind of laughing at some of the reports that were out there," said manager Terry Francona, a couple hours after Friday's trading deadline expired. "I understand. Chris (Antonetti, general manager) is going to listen to teams. That doesn't remotely mean something was going to happen."

While the rotation of Corey Kluber, Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Trevor Bauer and Cody Anderson stayed intact, the Indians did send left-hander Marc Rzepczynski to San Diego for switch-hitting outfielder Abraham Almonte.

The Tribe made three moves before the deadline, sending outfielders David Murphy and Brandon Moss to the Angels and Cardinals for minor league prospects, respectively, and Rzepczynski to the Padres.

The departures of Murphy and Moss have given Jerry Sands an opportunity. Sands, who hit 14 homers and drove in 46 runs at Class AAA Columbus, was promoted on Friday.

It's his third tour with the Tribe this year and should be his longest.

"We wanted to get in a situation with Jerry that when we brought him back, we wanted to be able to keep him," said Francona.

Sands doesn't have options and the Indians have already outrighted him twice this year. He had a chance to become a free agent, but each time accepted the assignment to Columbus.

"He'll play some outfield and first base," said Francona. "He's a guy that certainly deserves a chance. He's had success here and done everything we've asked of him in Triple-A.

"We want to see him work. We want to see him play a little bit."

Sands is hitting .375 (9-for-24) with one homer and six RBI in 10 games for the Tribe. He slashed .287/.409/.538 in 66 games at Columbus.

"We're big fans of how he's acted and how he's handled things," said Francona. It's one of the reasons Sands didn't become a free agent when the Indians twice designated him for assignment.

"Really, it was because of the relationship I've built here," said Sands. "They gave me two chances already. I felt I had a good spring training. I had a good relationship with Tito and Chris and the coaching staff.

"I felt that was valuable for me to lean on and say, 'I don't want to start fresh somewhere else where I don't know what I'm getting into.'"

Sands wasn't in the lineup Friday night in Oakland, but Lonnie Chisenhall was. The Tribe's opening day third baseman, recalled from Columbus on Thursday, was making his first big-league start in right field.

Chisenhall played some right field at Columbus following his demotion on June 7.

"We've heard that he's kind of taken to it rather easily," said Francona. "He always shagged balls and looked really athletic out there running around and having fun. I think he really enjoys it.

"I'm looking forward to watching it. We know he has plenty of arm and he runs good."

Said Chisenhall, "I spent the entirety of my time (at Columbus) at third an right field. Each game I felt a little better in right. I haven't had the hiccup yet where I've thrown to the wrong base or forgotten an assignment.

"I know those things will happen. Hopefully, you can learn from it and make that quick change."

The last two seasons, the Indians' bullpen set AL records for appearances. This year three of those arms are already gone - Scott Atchison was released, Nick Hagadone is done for the season following left elbow surgery list and Rzepczynski has been traded.

The Indians didn't trade Rzepczynski until just before the deadline. He was already at the O.co Coliseum and waited to say goodbye to his teammates.

"With Zep it was bittersweet," said Francona. "The trade happened late and he stayed around to say goodbye to everybody. You get close to guys and when you have to say goodbye it hits you a little bit."

Francona has only one lefty reliever - Michael Roth. He's been starting all year at Columbus and isn't a left-on-left matchup guy. The Indians added him because he can pitch multiple innings.

"Now that the deadline is over, and without saying the moves, you'll probably see some of additional things happen down the road when we get our roster more in order where we can compete," said Francona.

After the Indians acquired Almonte, 26, they optioned him to Columbus. He played 31 games for the Padres and 61 for Class AAA El Paso this year.

"He's an athletic outfielder who can play all three spots and has some major-league time," said Antonetti.

It would not be a surprise if Almonte appears with the Indians in the final two months of the season. As for adding players from the outside to replace the offense lost with the trades of Moss and Murphy, it doesn't sound like that was part of the Tribe's plan.

"Well, I don't think we'll address it externally between now and the off-season," said Antonetti. "The opportunities in the outfield and other places on the team will come from guys who are already in the organization."

Antonetti said the situation would be evaluated at the end of the year.

"At that point we'll have a better understanding of what our internal alternatives are," said Antonetti.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Danny Salazar allowed one hit and one unearned run in eight innings and right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall went 3-for-4 with a run as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland Athletics, 2-1, Friday night at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Chisenhall, promoted from Class AAA Columbus on Thursday,  made his first career MLB start in right....

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Danny Salazar allowed one hit and one unearned run in eight innings and right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall went 3-for-4 with a run as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland Athletics, 2-1, Friday night at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Chisenhall, promoted from Class AAA Columbus on Thursday,  made his first career MLB start in right.

Michael Bourn doubled to drive in Chisenhall with the go-ahead run in the ninth.

Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Streaking: The Indians (48-54) have won three in a row.

No GPS required: The Indians are 28-22 on the road.

Reeling: The Athletics (45-59) have lost three straight and seven of eight.

Start them up: Salazar delivered the Tribe's fourth consecutive superb start.

1. On Tuesday night in Cleveland, Trevor Bauer allowed five hits in a complete-game loss to the sizzling Kansas City Royals, 2-1.

2. On Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland, Corey Kluber pitched a five-hitter in a 12-1 victory over the Royals.

3. On Thursday night in Oakland, Carlos Carrasco pitched a two-hitter in a 3-1 victory in the opener of a four-game series.

Carrasco allowed the run and both of the hits -- single, RBI double -- in the first inning. He walked one, in the fourth. He retired the final 16 batters (17 outs).

Carrasco gave the franchise three straight complete games for the first time since 1994.

4. Salazar, run down by pitch count (111), narrowly missed making it four straight CGs. Closer Cody Allen worked a perfect ninth; all three of the outs came on grounders to second baseman Mike Aviles.

Salazar (9-6, 3.47 ERA) and Allen (21 saves) retired the final 21 batters.

Salazar allowed the run and hit in the third. His ability to limit the damage to one run was the key to the outcome. Here is how the inning unfolded:

(R) Mark Canha (2-for-21 since All-Star break, .232 average overall) -- 1-1 fastball barely outside, 2-1 fastball low and away, 3-2 fastball low, walk.

Skinny: First Oakland runner since Brett Lawrie walked with one out in fourth inning Thursday.

(L) Eric Sogard (.154 average in July, .280 OPS overall) -- 0-1 fastball, single to right. Canha to third.

Skinny: Sogard put a good swing on a pitch on the inner half. First Oakland hit since Josh Reddick's one-out RBI double in first inning Thursday.

(R) Marcus Semien (.167 in previous 16 games, .291 OBP overall) -- 0-1 changeup, grounder to third.

Skinny: Giovanny Urshela fumbled what should have been a routine grounder, which would have caught Canha off third. Urshela's recovery throw to first was on time but Carlos Santana's messy footwork cost an out. For some reason, Urshela was charged with the error.

(L) Billy Burns -- 1-2 fastball, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Salazar overmatched Burns, who desperately wanted to slap at something off-speed, in a huge spot.

(R) Brett Lawrie -- 3-0 fastball above belt called strike; 3-1 fastball swinging strike; 3-2 fastball foul; 3-2 fastball foul; 3-2 fastball, fielder's choice 4-6. Runners at first and third.

Skinny: Salazar caught a break on the 3-0 pitch, then threw four quality heaters.

(L) Josh Reddick (.432 with RISP and two outs) -- 0-0 fastball foul; 0-1 fastball called strike; 0-2 fastball high and away; fastball foul; 1-2 changeup foul; 1-2 changeup down and away; 2-2 fastball, pop to center.

Skinny: Salazar and catcher Yan Gomes picked the correct time to go to the changeups, which set up one more heater. Reddick slammed his bat in disgust.

Locked in: Salazar was in total control the remainder of his outing. He finished with the one walk and four strikeouts.

Salazar relied primarily on a fastball/changeup combination. He moved both pitches all over the zone, and expanded with a purpose. He rarely left a fastball in the middle of the plate and above the knees.

Salazar crafted his second scintillating start against Oakland this season. On July 10 in Cleveland, Salazar allowed one unearned run in 8 2/3 innings of a 5-1 victory.

Awakening late: The losing pitcher of that game July 10 was righty Kendall Gravemen, who gave up four runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Salazar and Gravemen met again Friday, and this time Gravemen was up to the challenge -- even though he had been slumping. Through six innings, the Indians managed three singles and one walk against him and trailed, 1-0.

Tribe batters had all sorts of trouble with Gravemen's sinker and changeup.

Gravemen retired the first two in the seventh before Gomes shot an 0-1 fastball to right for a single. Chisenhall stayed on a first-pitch fastball and slashed a double to left, Gomes stopping at third.

Urshela, too eager against a pitcher's pitch, grounded to short for what should have been the end of the Tribe threat. Instead, Semien threw wide enough to pull Ike Davis off the bag, enabling Gomes to tie the score. Semien committed his 29th error, although replays showed that maybe, just maybe, Davis pulled his foot too soon thinking the throw was wider than it actually was.

Bourn walked to load the bases. Graveman exited in favor of righty Fernando Rodriguez, who retired Aviles on a grounder to second.

Aviles finished 0-for-4 in 11 pitches, extending his skid to 0-for-21. He is batting .224 overall.

The Indians, thanks to Chisenhall and Bourn, pulled ahead in the ninth against righty Edward Mujica.

Chisenhall led off and fell behind, 1-2. He fouled, then displayed exceptional barrel awareness by punching a good pitch up the middle for a single. In a 1-1 count on Urshela, Chisenhall shocked the world by stealing second.

Urshela eventually struck out swinging. Bourn, ahead in the count, 2-0, sat on a fastball in a particular location. Mujica, a former Indian, provided it and Bourn smashed the ground-rule double to right-center.

Chisenhall, who went 0-for-3 on Thursday as the designated hitter, was the only player on either side Friday with multiple hits. The Tribe had eight.

Two days down in Browns training camp. Get ready for Saturday by looking back on what you may have missed from Friday. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Everybody's working for the weekend. The Browns are gearing up to work through the weekend and the pads are going on Saturday morning.

Practice is slated to run 9:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday. Tickets have all been claimed for the team's training camp practices.

Get ready for Saturday by looking back on Friday. Here are five stories you need to read from yesterday.

On cheap shots, wrestling 600-pound bears and joys of donning pads in Cleveland Browns' training camp

Tom Reed

"Such concussive chicanery is frowned upon in the kinder, gentler environs of today's NFL training camps. But the intensity and volume of practice rises Saturday as the crack of pads fill the air.

"There won't be live tackling periods - few NFL teams conduct them anymore for fear of injury - but coach Mike Pettine hinted fans could see some during the course of camp. He's also installing a segment dedicated solely to inside running plays designed to build toughness in the herd." Read more >>

Dwayne Bowe on Browns' Josh McCown: 'He's showing all the potential of being a top 5 QB in the NFL'

Mary Kay Cabot

"McCown's also running around out there like a kid just out of college and not the 36-year-old with a high school junior that he is. He's fist-pumping, high-fiving and having a blast with his new teammates."

"'I think he's excited,' said Bowe. 'He knows what this team has to offer.'" Read more >>

Cleveland Browns' Tashaun Gipson believes he can be NFL's best safety by season's end

Tom Reed

"Gipson has never lacked for confidence since arriving from the University of Wyoming as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He's emerged as one of the NFL's top free safeties over the last two seasons, intercepting 11 passes in 27 games. Seahawks corner Richard Sherman is the only player with more INTs (12) since the start of the 2013 season.

"The Seahawks' Earl Thomas is regarded as the league's best all-around safety -- and he's compensated accordingly to the tune of $10 million per season over four years." Read more >>

Cleveland Browns offense shows signs of life: Who won the day

Dan Labbe

"The Browns offense needed a spark. What better place to look than to the legs of a 36-year-old journeyman quarterback?

"As practice slogged on during a hotter-than-expected second day of training camp, the offense was bland. Uninspiring. The passing game existed mostly in five- and 10-yard windows. The second set of 11-on-11s started with a ball wide left to Taylor Gabriel down the sideline. That's when McCown started running." Read more >> 

Dwayne Bowe says 'no doubt' Terrelle Pryor will make Browns roster: 'He's going to be really, really good'

Mary Kay Cabot

"Browns receiver Dwayne Bowe is confident that his new protege Terrelle Pryor will make the team as a receiver.

"'There's no doubt,' Bowe said after day two of practice. 'No doubt. He's extremely talented. He has the work ethic, and he's a team player.'" Read more >>

Closer Cody Allen on the Tribe's starters: ""This rotation is why we're going to be good for a while." Watch video

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Danny Salazar was ready for the ninth inning. The three starters before him, Carlos Carrasco, Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer all went the distance and he wanted to join the fun.

Manager Terry Francona had other ideas.

"I tried," said Salazar when asked if he tried to convince Francona to let him go for the complete game, "but we need to let the bullpen feel like they're part of the team, too."

Salazar was smiling when he said that.

So Salazar finished with eight innings and 111 pitches. He allowed one hit and one unearned run in the Indians' 2-1 victory over the Athletics at O.co Coliseum.

Closer Cody Allen retired the A's in order in the ninth for his 21^st save, but he knows better than anyone where the Indians future is.

"This rotation is why we're going to be good for a while," said Allen.

The Tribe's starters are 3-1 with a 1.03 ERA in the last four games. The streak includes three consecutive complete games, something the Indians haven't done since 1994. If Francona had let Salazar finish the ninth, it would have been the first time since August of 1983 that the Indians had four straight complete games. The four pitchers that did it then were Tom Brennan, Rick Sutcliffe, Neal Heaton and Lary Sorensen.

How is this for symmetry?

On Thursday, Carrasco threw a two-hitter in a 3-1 win over the A's. On Friday, Salazar and Allen combine on a one-hitter.

Francona said Salazar had no problems leaving after eight.

"That was good," said Francona. "We actually needed to get Cody in there and I was thrilled because Cody commanded the ball,"

Oakland took a 1-0 lead in the third on an unearned run because of third baseman Giovanny Urshela's error. Oakland starter Kendall Graveman made that stand until the Indians scratched out a run in the seventh to tie the score.

The only hit Salazar allowed came in the third on Eric Sogard's single. He retired the last 16 batters he faced.

Salazar (9-6, 3.47) had a need for speed against the A's.

"I was in fastball mode," he said. "Four-seam, two-seam and I was sticking with that the whole game. I threw a few changeups an a few curveballs. But the fastball was the key tonight."

He was not worried about losing 1-0.

"Right now, the way we're playing, it's aggressive," said Salazar. "We have energy. We're having fun out there. That's the big key."

The Indians scratched out a run in the seventh to tie the score. Then won it in the ninth on Michael Bourn's double.

One more thing Salazar isn't worried about - getting traded. The non-waiver trade deadline came and went Friday. The rumors seemed to bother to Carrasco and Francona told him that he wasn't getting traded.

"I think, like this right now, we are perfect," Salazar. "I don't think the Indians are going to trade any of us starting pitchers."

Scott Dixon is the driver to beat in Saturday's qualifying for the 2015 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, but Columbus, Ohio native Graham Rahal is in the chase.

LEXINGTON, Ohio -- Graham Rahal's quest to take over the top spot in the driver standings got a solid boost in Friday's practice session for the 2015 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. But the man to beat for Saturday's qualifying pole is Scott Dixon, with Rahal fourth fastest.

The Honda Indy 200 race is Sunday at 2 p.m., with qualifying Saturday at 3 on NBC Sports Network. Check back here for live scoring and updates from the track and get reports throughout the weekend on cleveland.com.

While the Honda Indy 200 is the headline event, there is a lot more going on at the picturesque track this weekend. The support races listed below are actually more conducive to good race action around the tight, twisting 13-turn facility than the bigger IndyCars.

Here's an in-depth look at the entire daily agenda, and don't forget the check out the new LED lights on the cars this weekend for both scoring and timing pit stops.

Site: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio.

8 a.m.-8:35 -- Indy Lights Qualifying
8:50-9:35 -- Pirelli GT Qualifying
9:50-10:30 -- Cooper Tires USF2000 Race 2
10:30-11:00 -- Autograph Session (Infield)
10:45-11:30 -- Verizon Indy Car Series Practice
11:45-12:45 p.m. -- Pirelli GTS Race 2
1:00-2:00 -- Autograph Session (Infield)
1:00-1:40 -- Pro Mazda Race 1
1:55-2:45 -- Indy Lights Race 1
2:15-4:45 -- Autograph Session (Infield)
3:00-4:15 -- Verizon IndyCar Series Qualifying
4:30-5:45 -- Pirelli  GT Race 1
6:00-6:40 -- Cooper Tires USF2000 Race 3

Sunday, August 2

7:45 a.m.-8:45 -- Pace Car/2-Seater on track
8:50-9:40 -- Pro Mazda Race 2
9:45-10:15 -- Verizon IndyCar Series warm up
10:30-11:35 -- Indy Lights Race 2
11:50-12:55 p.m. -- Pirelli GT Race 2
1 p.m. -- Verizon IndyCar Pre Race
2 p.m. -- Verizon IndyCar Series Race

HONDA INDY 200

TV: Saturday, practice, qualifying (NBC Sports Network, 3-4:30 p.m.); Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (CNBC, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; NBC Sports Network, 6-8:30 p.m.).
Track: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (road course, 13-turns, 2.258 miles).
Race distance: 203.22 miles, 90 laps.
Last year: Scott Dixon raced to his fifth victory at the track in the last eight years. Dixon's Chip Ganassi race team has won the last six straight races at the track.
Last race: Ryan Hunter-Reay won at Iowa Speedway on July 18 for his third victory at the track in the four years. He led the first U.S. podium sweep since the 2006 Indianapolis 500.
Driver to watch: After native son Graham Rahal, now second in the points race, TK is the man. Tony Kanaan began his early racing career at Mid-Ohio in several support series and is racing this season for the Chip Ganassi team, which has won six straight times at Mid-Ohio.
The points race: Team Penske's Juan Pablo Montoya leads the season standings, 42 points ahead of Graham Rahal with three races left.LLi Montoya won the Indy 500 and season-opening race at St. Petersburg. He won the CART race at the Mid-Ohio track in 1999.
Did you know: While Chevrolet has pretty much dominated the entire series this season Honda has made a late push with Honda drivers winning two of the last three races ... The only driver in the top six in the standings without a victory this season is No. 4 Helio Castroneves.
Next race: ABC Supply 500, Aug. 23, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.