Robert Griffin III got his left leg stuck in the ground on his 49-yarder to Terrelle Pryor in Green Bay and thought he might have hurt his knee, but he was fine.

BEREA, Ohio -- Robert Griffin III admitted he got a little knee scare Friday night on his opening 49-yard pass to Terrelle Pryor.

Griffin ran into guard John Greco as he stepped into the throw, and tumbled to the ground. He hesitated for a moment to get up, but then shook off the pain in his left knee and ran to the huddle.

Whether or not he was still rattled, he fumbled the handoff to Isaiah Crowell on the second snap, but recovered the ball.

"My leg got stuck in the ground on the play I was throwing to TP, but I'm fine,'' Griffin said Monday. "Nothing is wrong with me and TP made a great play. That's all you really worry about. We got the completion, made a big play happen and that's what we're looking for - big plays out of our offense."

Griffin told ESPN's Bob Holtzman after the game that he wasn't sure at first if he was fine "and said the hit reminded him of the one that tore Carson Palmer's ACL" in 2014.

Any trauma to Griffin's knee, of course, sends shock waves through the Browns, who are committed to him as their starter with hopes for the future.

Fortunately for Griffin, it was his left knee, and the not the right, on which he's undergone two surgeries to repair the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments.

Griffin, who's also suffered a concussion and dislocated ankle in the past two seasons, insisted that he doesn't worry about getting hurt.

"That's not the thing you're focused on every time you step on the field,'' he said. "You know there is a risk that you can get hurt, but you don't play scared of that. You go out and you play ball and trust the guys in front of you and the guys around you to make plays for you."

In fact, Griffin was so grateful to be playing again that the four hits on eight passes didn't pack as much of a wallop as they normally would.

"You never celebrate getting hit, but it was awesome,'' he said. "Like I've said before, it's just a pleasure to be out there with great people and have an opportunity to play a game that you love. Getting hit is a part of that. As bad as it sounds, yeah, I enjoyed the process of being in a football game and having an opportunity to play."

He said he's not worried about his protection despite the fact the line is in a state of flux. Joe Thomas missed his second straight day with a back injury Monday and center Cam Erving (elbow) missed more than a week. Austin Pasztor is the third right tackle of camp, although he appears to have nailed down the job.

"I trust the guys in front of me: Cam, Grec (OL John Greco), Joe, (OL) Joel (Bitonio) and Austin. Those guys are going to protect me as a quarterback, and we're going to lean on them in the running game and in the passing game to make us right. Those are our big dogs up front. I trust them 100 percent."

Gordon: 'I'm the same guy' who starred in 2013

Receiver Terrelle Pryor complimented Griffin for completing two passes to him while absorbing blows.

"He did awesome,'' said Pryor. "I loved how he took a couple big hits, and he still delivered the ball. That's very important as a quarterback. As a leader, that was awesome to me. The first one (the 49-yarder), he got up, you could tell he was in pain, but he jumped up, sucked it up. He knew people were watching and he didn't want to look like he was hurt. That's a leader.''

Pryor said he suspected Griffin had contact "because the ball was kind of like inside and I'm sure if he didn't get hit, I would've gotten it on the run. It was an awesome ball. That's a Browns quarterback. It's getting up, he's playing Browns football. That's what we want to do. We want to be physical and if we get hit, we want to get up and go to the next play. That was awesome."

Hue Jackson undoubtedly thought so too.

Parma Heights, Ohio native Jamie Meder is being a given a chance to start for the Browns at right end, ahead of Xavier Cooper.

BEREA, Ohio -- Parma Heights native Jamie Meder is getting a chance to start for his hometown team at right end, and he's hoping it ends right.

A second-year pro out of Ashland, Meder took all the first-team reps in practice Monday at right end ahead of Xavier Cooper, who's been starting there since the beginning of camp.

Meder earned the starting opportunity by jumping out on film in the preseason opener in Green Bay, where he combined with Tank Carder to tackle James Starks in the end zone for a safety in the first quarter. Overall, he had four tackles and a quarterback hit in 31 snaps. 

"Oh yeah, he deserves it,'' said coach Hue Jackson. "Jamie played extremely well last week. He's very valuable to us. I don't know if it was just because of that. As you guys see, we put a lot of people in a lot of different positions to give them opportunities, and he's very deserving. I will say that."

Meder (6-3, 308) displayed the tenacity Jackson and Ray Horton are looking for in their linemen.

"He's tough,'' said Jackson. "He's really tough. He's strong. He knocks people back and he pursues the football the way you have to pursue the football."

The first-team line on Monday consisted of seventh-year vet Nick Hayden at left end, Danny Shelton in the middle and Meder on the right.

It's 66 percent different than how the Browns drew it up before camp. John Hughes was set to start at left end, but he's missed most of camp for a personal reason. His agent, Vince Calo, told cleveland.com last week that Hughes is fine and would be back soon, presumably as early as this week.

Cooper was penciled in on the right side and held down the spot until Meder stepped in on Monday.

"We're going to play our best players,'' Jackson said. "If a guy has a skill and he can help our football team, whether it's at nose guard or defensive end, then we're going to give him a chance. I don't think it's to get bigger. We're just going to put our best guys out there. If that's the combination that works, then that's who we'll put out there."

Meanwhile, Cooper, the Browns' third-round pick out of Washington State last season, worked at second-team nose tackle Monday, between rookies Carl Nassib and Emmanuel Ogbah. He might see more time there behind Shelton during Thursday night's game against the Falcons.

"He could,'' said Jackson. "They're going to be all over the place to be honest with you. I don't think anybody's really locked into anything at this point. We're just kind of working through the different combinations, and that's what you guys will see on Thursday night. A lot of guys are going to play a lot of different spots and spaces so that we can determine [what's best]. We're still evaluating. We're also trying to do everything we can to play better and get a team victory."

Receivers go marching in

Several of the banged-up receivers returned to team drills on Monday, including Corey Coleman (hamstring), Rashard Higgins (leg) and Marlon Moore (undisclosed). Terrelle Pryor also practiced despite aggravating his left hand on Monday. Rookie Ricardo Louis, who tweaked a hamstring on Sunday, was idle. ... Running back Glenn Winston sat out the second straight day with a shoulder injury.

Joe Thomas, K'Waun Williams and John Hughes still absent

Thomas was inside for the second straight day with a back issue, and Williams and Hughes are still not at camp because of personal reasons.

Clayton Murphy from the University of Akron captured a bronze medal in the men's 800 meters at the Rio Olympics on Monday.

United States' Clayton Murphy celebrates winning the bronze medal in the men's 800-meter final during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)Mike Starkey 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Clayton Murphy of New Paris, Ohio and the University of Akron won a bronze medal Monday in the men's 800 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Murphy, 21, ran a personal best 1:42.93 to finish third behind defending champion David Rudisha of Kenya and Taoufik Makhloufi of Algeria. It was the first medal in the 800 for the U.S. since 1992.

Rudisha's time of 1:42.15 was his best of the season, but was more than a second off his world record time. Makhloufi ran 1:42.61.

Murphy ran in fifth and sixth place most of the race, then made his move coming off the last turn and passed two runners to get his medal.

Rudisha won his second Olympic title in a row by swerving into the lead just after halfway and using his long strides to kick for home. The only one to keep close was Makhloufi, the 1,500 gold medalist at the London Games four years ago.

Between the two middle distance champions, Rudisha never gave the Algerian a chance. Makhloufi ran an Algerian record of 1:42.61.

Murphy, who grew up on a pig farm, just finished his junior year at Akron.

CONGRATULATIONS! [?] [?] @Clayton_Murph brings home #Bronze in the 800m! pic.twitter.com/DKVyuBCToK

-- U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) August 16, 2016

21-year old @Clayton_Murph takes home BRONZE & ends a 24-year medal drought in the 800m! [?] [?] https://t.co/1HDmSuGjJt pic.twitter.com/gnHUhyvF55

-- U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) August 16, 2016

Holy @Clayton_Murph [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?]

-- Emily Infeld (@emily_infeld) August 16, 2016

(The Associated Press contributed)

Lefty Drew Pomeranz returned to Cleveland to pitch Boston to a 3-2 victory over the Indians on Monday. Pomeranz was the Indians' No.1 pick in 2010.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh Tomlin is still having trouble with home runs and crooked numbers.

The homer is always going to be part of Tomlin's game because he throws strikes and doesn't throw particularly hard. But surrendering homers with runners on base has not been part of his game this season until this rocky run he finds himself on.

Tomlin allowed a two-run homer to David Ortiz and a solo homer to Jackie Bradley in the sixth inning Monday afternoon as Boston came from behind to beat the Indians, 3-2. The loss ended the Indians' four-game winning streak, but they remain five games ahead of Detroit in the AL Central after the Tigers' 3-1 loss to Kansas City Monday night.

Lefty Drew Pomeranz, the Indians' No.1 pick in 2010, earned the win with 7 2/3 solid innings. The Indians traded Pomeranz and Alex White, another No. 1 pick, to Colorado in 2011 for Ubaldo Jimenez.

For the season, Tomlin has allowed an AL-high 29 homers. He's allowed four in his last three starts, including a grand slam to New York's Starlin Castro, a three-run homer to Washington's Jayson Werth and Ortiz's two-run homer. Throw in Bradley's solo and Tomlin has allowed a cycle of homers in his last three starts.

"I thought Josh was really crisp," said manager Terry Francona. "He tried to cut a fastball to Ortiz and didn't get it anywhere close to where he wanted it. Then he gave up a solo homer.

"Other than that, he was really good. That's a real good lineup and they're swinging it really well. They scored 16 runs on Sunday."

The homers by Ortiz and Bradley erased the Tribe's 1-0 lead and put Boston in front, 3-1, in the sixth. It was Ortiz's fourth homer against the Indians this season and his 27th in his final campaign.

Rajai Davis, who gave the Indians a 1-0 lead with a homer in the fourth, pulled the Tribe to within one run at 3-2 with a RBI double off Pomeranz in the eighth. Pomeranz (9-7, 2.46) earned his first win with the Red Sox since being acquired last month from San Diego.

The Indians mounted one more threat in the ninth. Francisco Lindor doubled and Mike Napoli walked, but closer Craig Kimbrel struck out Carlos Santana and Jason Kipnis and retired Abraham Almonte on a pop up for his 20th save.

"I thought we did a pretty good job against Kimbrel," said Francona. "Like a lot of power pitchers, you've got to pick one pitch. He's throwing 98 mph. I'm not sure you can hit the slider and the fastball.

"We had a chance."

The Indians didn't do much against Pomeranz. Davis hit a leadoff homer in the fourth for a 1-0 lead. It was Davis' 11th homer and seemed to knock Pomeranz off his game for a bit. Jose Ramirez followed with a walk and stole second.

Lindor grounded out in front of the plate to bring Napoli to the plate. The Indians have had success stealing third base this year, and as long as there isn't two out, manager Terry Francona said that it's part of their game.

Ramirez, however, was called out at third on a close play. The Indians challenged the call, but after a 4:42 review, the call stood. Napoli followed with what would have been an RBI double to left. Call it a scoring chance wasted.

The double did extend Napoli's hitting streak to a career-high 15 games.

"I think I was safe," said Ramirez.

It looked like Ramirez beat catcher Bryan Holaday's throw, but came off the bag and was tagged out by Aaron Hill.

"I looked like he might have come off the bag," said Francona, "but the umpires don't tell us anything."

A strong outfield throw by Almonte stopped Boston's first scoring chance.

Travis Shaw started the third with a strikeout, but reached on a third-strike wild pitch. He took second on Tomlin's second wild pitch and tried to score on Dustin Pedroia's single to right. Almonte's throw cut him down by 15 feet.

Tomlin (11-6, 4.14) allowed three runs on seven hits in 7 2/3 innings. Pomeranz allowed two runs on five hits in 7 2/3 innings.

"I'm trying to avoid the crooked number as much as I can," said Tomlin. "That just hasn't really happened in the last three or four starts. If I can limit the guys on base when those big guys come up on base, it's going to benefit me and the team."

What it means

The Indians fell to 12-17 against the AL East, not a good sign for a potential playoff matchup in October.

The Red Sox won the season series, 4-2.

The pitches

Tomlin threw 104 pitches, 74 or 71 percent for strikes. Pomeranz threw 104 pitches, 65 or 63 percent for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Red Sox and Indians drew 19,174 fans to Progressive Field for Monday's makeup game. Attendance for the season is 1,100,106 in 56 home dates.

First pitch was at 1:12 p.m. with a temperature of 79 degrees.

What's next?

The Indians open a three-game series against the White Sox on Tuesday night. RHP Corey Kluber (12-8, 3.21) will face Chicago lefty Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.86) at Progressive Field. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

The Tribe is 7-2 against the White Sox this season.

Michael Brantley underwent season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Monday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Outfielder Michael Brantley underwent a 45-minute operation on Monday in Dallas for chronic biceps tendinitis in his right shoulder. The procedure is called biceps tenodesis and it is season ending.

Brantley will need four months to recover.

Dr. Keith Meister and Dr. Mark Schickendantz did the surgery. In the process, they confirmed that the labrum in Brantley's shoulder is stable and the shoulder joint looked functional.

In November, Brantley underwent surgery for a torn labrum in the right shoulder. In the process of trying to make it back to the lineup, Brantley's 2016 season was limited to 11 games.

Brantley to undergo season-ending surgery

Browns left tackle Joe Thomas underwent an MRI on his sore back this week, but says it's 'nothing concerning long-term.' Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns left tackle Joe Thomas has played through three torn MCLs, two high ankle sprains and more. So when he stays inside for two days with back pain, the sirens go off at training camp.

But Thomas assured the media Tuesday that he'll be fine and that the back pain is not a long-term concern. He underwent an MRI this week, and said there's nothing structural that should prevent him extending his streak of consecutive snaps which currently stands at 8,959 -- longest active in the NFL.

"We get MRIs all the time and that's the beauty of working closely with University Hospitals,'' said Thomas. "It doesn't take but 24 hours to bounce over there and get an MRI just to take a quick peek and really anytime you get any sort of more than a minor injury, you always want to take a picture of it and take a look at it and make sure that what you've been diagnosed with is exactly what's going on.''

Thomas declined to be specific, but isn't expected to miss any regular season games.

"I don't ever think it's a good idea to go into details about any injuries that anybody has, but I'll just say that it's nothing concerning long-term,'' he said.

Thomas, 31, described the flare-up as "just typical old man training camp issues. Your back tightened up a little bit and it's the time of year that you've just got to take a couple of days, let it calm down and get back in the swing of things. You don't want it to be something that lingers too long.''

He added, "we'll take today off and see how things go tomorrow.''

The rest means Thomas will likely sit out Thursday night's game against the Falcons. No reason to rush the nine-time Pro Bowler back into action for a preseason game.  

"Just taking it one day at a time,'' he said. "We'll see what happens tomorrow. I'll be lucky to be alive. Maybe I'll be luckier if I can practice.''

First-year tackle Dan France from Michigan State has been getting the first-team reps in Thomas' place.

"Actually, when I'm not there, I look at the benefit for the line because the guy who's behind me is getting those reps with the No. 1s and he's getting his opportunity against the top defense, especially like in the preseason and me personally, I've seen it all and done it all,'' said Thomas. "So for me, I just need to knock the rust off and get in shape and once you get that kind of down, there's not a whole lot else to do out there, especially playing next to Joel (Bitonio).

"He's a guy I've played next to for a couple of years, so once you've got that part of things figured out, it's actually really good for me sometimes not out there so that other guys are getting those reps in case we do need them, whether it's left tackle or right tackle, they're getting those live reps that they probably wouldn't if I was out at practice.''

Why hometown boy Jamie Meder is getting a chance to start

Meanwhile, Thomas will take care of the back -- and the rest of his body.

"(You) do whatever you need to do with ace wraps and bandages and heat packs and stuff to get ready to play on Sundays,'' he said. "That's just life in the NFL.

"A lot of times, especially as you get older, the routine of training camp needs to change a little bit so that something that pops up that's minor in training camp doesn't linger for the whole season.''

Bowling Green's Mike Jinks, in his first season as BG's head coach, is an unknown for the Buckeyes opener. Watch video

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- No two words describe any football coach more than "always paranoid." They want to know everything, control everything and never be surprised by anything.

But when Ohio State coach Urban Meyer opens this football season against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium on September 3, he will know almost nothing about what new Bowling Green coach Mike Jinks has prepared.

Jinks and his staff aren't just a clean sheet of paper ... there are no lines on the paper, either.

Jinks, 44, has never been a college head coach. He's only been an assistant on the college level for three years. He has never been an offensive or defensive coordinator.

So while the assumption is the former Texas Tech associate head coach will have an offensive and defensive attack in step with the Red Raiders, the reality is, Jinks' 17 years as a high school head coach in Texas might give more of a clue to what he's comfortable with on offense and defense.

The next step would be to check the backgrounds of the offensive and defensive coordinators Jinks hired. But that's a one-stop option as well -- offensive coordinators Kevin Kilmer and Andy Padron, plus defensive coordinator Perry Eliano are all first-time coordinators.

The next step, considering that 32 of 128 head coaches in Division I football have Mid-American Conference ties (including Meyer), is to check out the rest of Jinks staff.

But this will be the first season for all of them in the MAC. Every coach on Jinks staff is either from Texas or the deep South. Compare that to Meyer, who was oozing Midwest ties when he arrived as Bowling Green's head coach in 2001 and had a MAC-dominant staff of assistants.

Meyer grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio, went to school at Cincinnati, and had been an assistant at Notre Dame and Ohio State before taking over at Bowling Green. He was an open book to the hapless Missouri Tigers in his first game in 2001.

Jinks is far from that.

And while a BG upset of the Buckeyes would be considered a long shot, it's still safe to say the Falcons will enter the game with a puncher's chance. For any typically paranoid football coach, that's practically straitjacket territory with essentially no information to work.

"We'll do things a little different,'' Jinks said of his opening game plan after a spirited Monday morning practice. "We'll be ready.''

And if you think the big stage and the bright lights will be enough to startle Jinks and the Falcons, remember that last season the defending MAC champions put up a solid battle at Tennessee to open the season before winning at Maryland and Purdue.

As for Jinks, "many of us have coached on the field at Texas and Oklahoma and Texas A&M,'' he said. "I don't think any of us (players and coaches) are unfamiliar with what we will have to go up against in The Horseshoe."

Just the same, it will still be pretty new for Jinks. All he's ever known is Texas. He was born in Texas, raised in Texas, played college football (Angelo State) in Texas, coached high school football in Texas and three seasons of college football in Texas.

He's coached East of the Mississippi twice, both times at West Virginia. He's been north of the Kansas border once, at Iowa State.

Unlike other major football schools in other states, including Texas, there is a level of parity on every strata. But Jinks will quickly learn that in the Buckeye state, that's different. By the end of the season the Falcons will play five state football schools. But only one of them has ever won a national championship, and is projected to contend for another in 2016, and that's Ohio State.

Every college football coach would be paranoid going against that.

THE MIKE JINKS FILE

Position: Bowling Green head football coach
Age: 44
Experience: First year
Family: Married, three children
Background: Three years assistant football coach at Texas Tech (2013-2015); one year associate head coach at Texas Tech (2015).
Did you know: Jinks was a Division II quarterback at Angelo State. ... After graduation he was working in a restaurant when a group of high school coaches ordered a round of beer from him. He overheard them talking football. One day later he got a call to interview for a high school coaching job. Jinks then borrowed money from his college football coach to get his teaching certificate so he could coach high school football. ... Jinks coached 17 years on the high school level in his native Texas at seven high schools. His teams played for two state championships and won a state championship at Steele High School in 2010. ... Jinks was a finalist for National High School Coach of the Year in 2012. ... Jinks is believed to be the only head coach at both the FBS and FCS level with no previous experience as either a head coach or as a coordinator.

Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Tuesday's series opener between Cleveland and Chicago.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Tuesday's series opener between Cleveland and Chicago.

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (12-8, 3.21 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.85 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. CF Rajai Davis

2. 2B Jason Kipnis

3. SS Francisco Lindor

4. 1B Mike Napoli

5. DH Carlos Santana

6. 3B Jose Ramirez

7. LF Brandon Guyer

8. RF Abraham Almonte

9. C Roberto Perez

White Sox

1. RF Adam Eaton

2. 2B Tyler Saladino

3. LF Melky Cabrera

4. 1B Jose Abreu

5. DH Justin Morneau

6. 3B Todd Frazier

7. CF J.B. Shuck

8. SS Tim Anderson

9. C Omar Narvaez

Josh Gordon is talking about another return from suspension and lessons learned. Hopefully this time it's true.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Josh Gordon's talent is the ultimate tease. That hasn't changed.

Fall head over heels for it at your own risk.

He's not even eligible to play the first month of the season. He's not ready for the second exhibition game Thursday, and already you can hear the change in people's voices.

Why can't he be the same as he was in 2013? Best player on the field when he's right. Comes across humbled by his mistakes. He has a real support system this time.

It's all been said before. You hope for his sake it's different this time. The questions two years ago are the same questions now. Or should be.

"How well do you want to prepare? How much do you want to work at it and then what are you able to accomplish?"

It's not popular to quote Ray Farmer on Gordon because Farmer's comments were framed by his undervaluation of wide receivers. But that was the former GM embracing caution in advance of Gordon's return in 2014, and he was dead-on.

We labeled Farmer a wet blanket then for raising an argument against disrupting an offense to get one player the football.

Which is exactly what the Browns did. Instantly made Gordon the centerpiece of the offense first game back in Atlanta (16 targets) even though he didn't prepare, didn't work hard at route running and didn't really appreciate how all that affected his teammates.

Brian Hoyer forced passes to Gordon in that game and again the next week in Buffalo. Gordon hung his quarterback out to dry and looked sideways at other teammates.

A win in Atlanta first game back was rife with passing game issues as Hoyer over-celebrated the return of a big target he could see downfield. The Browns lost their last five games, Gordon on team suspension for the finale. In a NFL Network interview, Gordon told former teammate Nate Burleson some in Berea didn't exactly welcome him with open arms.

Gee, wonder why?

If Gordon better appreciates this opportunity, if he works and prepares and doesn't show the same entitlement, the Browns should accept it as a pleasant surprise. They certainly shouldn't expect it, count on it or convince themselves he can make a world of difference alongside Corey Coleman or Terrelle Pryor.

At least until he shows he's in this thing to turn his career around, not just to bide his time until free agency calls.

The Browns approached the draft as if Gordon might never wear a Browns uniform again. How could they do otherwise? They'd be smart not to count on him now that he's returned. Hoping for the best for Gordon isn't the same as relying on him.

"I was really happy and glad that (Hue Jackson and Sashi Brown) were there for me," Gordon told reporters Monday."They made it clear to me that they'll do everything for me to succeed, as well for the rest of the players. And think we got the point across that we need each other just as much as the other." 

Oh boy. Not really. Maybe that sounds good to him. But he must know it's not close to being true. He needs them infinitely more. He needs to show it every day.

They're not going to the Super Bowl with him. Meanwhile, they are his NFL life line.

If this season ends with Corey Coleman as the Browns' best receiver and with Gordon having given his team reason to trust in him in 2017 and beyond, that would be the best-case scenario for everyone involved.

The Indians and White Sox will play the first contest of a three-game series at Progressive Field on Tuesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and White Sox will play the first contest of a three-game series at Progressive Field on Tuesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

Game 117: Indians (67-49) vs. White Sox (56-61)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 FM, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (12-8, 3.21 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.85 ERA)

Fact du jour: The Indians are 7-2 against the White Sox this season.

Griffin is in the process of filing for divorce from his wife of three years.

BEREA, Ohio -- Robert Griffin III has been dealing with more than just trying to win the Browns' starting quarterback job.

Griffin has been separated from his wife of three years, the former Rebecca Liddicoat, for the past several months, and he's in the process of filing for divorce, a league source told cleveland.com.

The couple got married on July 6, 2013, and had a daughter, Reese Ann Griffin, in May of 2015. Griffin has informed his teammates and coaches of the divorce, and they've been supportive, the source said.

Griffin III named Browns' starting QB

Griffin was named the starting quarterback Aug. 8 and made his debut Friday night against the Packers. Browns players have complimented Griffin on his focus and dedication to the job.

Sources said that it's been a difficult time for Griffin, but that he's working through it with the help of friends and family.

The two were introduced by a mutual friend at Baylor in 2009 and Griffin proposed in October of 2010 in the school's fieldhouse, following the Bears' 47-42 victory over Kansas State.

They were married three years ago at the Denver Four Seasons in Colorado, because Liddicoat  is a native of Boulder. Wedding guests included Baylor coach Art Briles, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, and Redskins teammates Kirk Cousins, London Fletcher, Santana Moss and Pierre Garcon.

Despite what Griffin's been going through, he's become the strong, vocal leader that Hue Jackson wanted. He's managed to compartmentalize his personal and professional lives, and not let the situation negatively impact him on the job.

"He's a natural leader and that's what you need from an intangibles standpoint,'' Joe Thomas said recently. "Everyone knows how talented he is as an athlete and throwing the ball and the one thing that maybe guys didn't know about that have been really impressed with him so far is his work ethic, his intelligence, the way he prepares and he studies just like the great quarterbacks in the game right now.''

Linebacker Nate Orchard has grown close to Griffin over the past few months.

"To see him and where he's at now, and the swag he's got, it's fun, because that's what you want in a quarterback,'' he said. "You want him to be out there loose and enjoying himself, controlling that offense and you can see everyone gravitates towards him and they trust him and know he's going to do good things for us.''

Receiver Terrelle Pryor has also become a friend.

"He's chill. He's real relaxed. He Facetimes his daughter a lot,'' said Pryor. "He's a family guy. He's a teammate first, he's awesome.''

Receiver Josh Gordon played with Griffin at Baylor.

"Robert, we go back a long time and I think that'll be one of my best friends for the rest of my life,'' said Gordon. "I can't say enough about that guy. He looks out for me. That's part of my support staff. I know he's a big brother in that regard. As much as I need him, everybody else in this building needs him just as much."

The Cleveland Browns aren't expected to win many games in 2016 as they begin another rebuild. One sign of progress will be the development of an intriguing wide receiver position.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Even if Josh Gordon didn't return to practice this week, Browns wide receivers would still be a conversation topic.

That tends to happen when an organization acknowledges the position might just be important enough to address in the draft and free agency for a change.

Terrelle Pryor didn't make it easy for the last coaching regime to develop him. But he's more proof that Hue Jackson and the front office have a shared commitment to weaponize the offense any way it can.

In the NFL in 2016, you do that with size and speed and depth at wide receiver. A trio of Pryor, Corey Coleman and Gordon is a projection for now, but a tantalizing one.

Unless you turned in your season tickets when the Browns didn't bring Dwayne Bowe back.

* A ESPN.com headline before the Olympics declared, "U.S. team so talented it's impossible to tell how good it is." And now we can tell.

Three points better than Serbia.

Three points better than France.

Ten points better than Australia.

The unbridled greatness of Team USA seemed a risky angle given the players who didn't go this time around include LeBron James and Steph Curry. But the U.S. was so dominant in the FIBA World Cup two years ago when it won gold by an average margin of 33 points, despite missing some NBA stars, that it was logical to believe this would be almost as easy.

Instead, we're reminded that it's impossible to tell how great a role complacency can play.

* In separate mea culpas, Gary Barnidge, Robert Griffin III, head coach Hue Jackson and Terrelle Pryor all blamed themselves for various issues in the Browns' first exhibition game in Green Bay.

Barnidge and RG3 miscommunicated on an interception in the middle of the field. Jackson said he didn't adequately stress the importance of taking care of the ball. Pryor said despite a big catch on the game's first play, his 2016 debut just showed he needs to work harder on the transition from quarterback to wide receiver.

There is nothing more admirable than teammates and a coach throwing themselves on their own swords instead of pointing fingers elsewhere.

Unless it's playing well enough there's no reason to take the blame.

* Justin Gilbert says his biggest area of improvement is in maturity.

And you were hoping that was second to coverage?

* Bartolo Colon walked for the first time in 282 plate appearances covering 19 seasons.

"I was surprised, too," Colon told MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez. "The pitcher didn't strike me out because he didn't want to. I couldn't make a swing because of my hand. My (left) wrist has been bothering me for a long time."

Is it a coincidence Colon walked in the same season in which he hit his first career home run?

Yes.

Has he given opponents reason to pitch around him?

No.

* Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips answered a hot take questioning whether Denver overdid it in preseason by frequently blitzing Bears quarterbacks.

Phillips said he was surprised "experts" didn't know the difference between a blitz and a dog.

5 sacks were 4 man rush -2 sacks were 5 man rush--
0 sacks were blitzes

-- Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) August 13, 2016

His use of the word "experts" did not refer to the Bears offensive line.

But it didn't seem to know the difference either.

* Justin Rose said he received congratulations from Rory McIlroy after winning gold in Rio as golf returned to the Olympics for the first time in more than a century.

McIlroy said at the British Open he probably wouldn't be watching golf in Rio. What would win his interest instead?

"Probably events like track and field, swimming, diving, the stuff that matters," McIlroy said.

Could've been worse. But only if he'd said handball, canoe slalom and modern pentathlon.

* Parking costs soared as high as $100 for the Rams preseason opener.

That does not include detailing.

* Carolina quarterback Cam Newton's interview with GQ caused a stir, in part because of his take on the issue of race. Newton was asked about the comments he made before the Super Bowl about how being an "African American quarterback that might scare some people."

"I don't want this to be about race, because it's not," Newton told the magazine. "It's not. Like, we're beyond that. As a nation."

Newton wouldn't pick a side politically during the interview. He painted himself as being just like anyone else with an opinion.

Just like anyone else who is rich, famous and has a son named Chosen.

* TMZ asked Cowboys owner Jerry Jones what it is about Johnny Manziel that has kept the Cowboys away from signing him. Manziel has stated his wish to play for Dallas.

Said Jones, "Dak Prescott."

If the play of Prescott, the Cowboys' fourth-round draft pick, is the main reason why Dallas hasn't moved to secure Manziel, Jones needs to hire different people to do player background checks.

* Corner Josh Norman says he didn't pick the Redskins because of the money. He picked Washington in part because the Redskins made the playoffs last season.

"Coming here, I can see hardware," he said.

No. 2 on the list of things not often said of a Dan Snyder team, "The feeling is like one big happy family."

* A Russian diver received a score of 0.0 at Rio. Without an appreciation for the technical aspects of diving, it's difficult to understand how a diver could completely whiff.

So just think of Jeff Garcia against the Cowboys in 2004.

* If you don't remember Garcia's work against Dallas, think of most You Said It submissions you've read.

* Hope Solo after Team USA has its Olympic run end in a loss to a buttoned-down Sweden. The US lost on penalty kicks. It outshot Sweden 27-6.

"We played a bunch of cowards," the American goalie said. "The best team did not win today. I strongly, firmly believe that."

And with that, the sportsmanship award goes to ... someone, anyone else.

* Report: "LeBron James could've made more money long term but opted for more security."

Finally, a contract that gives him the peace of mind that he can provide for his family in case there's an economic downturn.

* Hue Jackson says he guarantees that if players were seen laughing on the sidelines during Friday's exhibition game they weren't laughing about Cody Kessler running out of the end zone for an unforced safety.

I'd say that, too, if I thought my players were laughing at Cody Kessler running out of the end zone for an unforced safety.

* Rio headline: "Merritt wins bronze after endearing drug ban."

Endearing? Or enduring?

You decide.

LaShawn Merritt was suspended 21 months after testing positive for a banned PED while he was taking time away from training.

He told the review panel that he inadvertently took the substance after buying a male enhancement product. He didn't say it at the time. But we will say it for him.

Who would admit that if it weren't true?

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley underwent season-ending surgery Monday in Dallas for biceps tendinitis in the right shoulder.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Michael Brantley's career has not been trending in the right direction. The Indians hope that will change in the months to come.

In November he underwent surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn labrum. He never bounced back from that and Monday underwent surgery for biceps tendinitis in the same shoulder that ended his 2016 season.

Brantley, 29, will need four months to recover from this surgery. The Indians anticipate that he'll be able to have a normal spring training in 2017 when camp opens in February in Goodyear, Ariz.

"That's part of the reason we wanted to try to do it now and give him a chance, when he comes back, to be ready," said manager Terry Francona. "He's going to need a good spring training. He's had 39 at-bats this year.

"So if he's not behind in spring training that would be really big. I think there's a real chance that will happen."

Dr. Keith Meister and Dr. Mark Schickendantz performed Monday's surgery in Dallas. Meister is the head team physician for the Texas Rangers, while Schickendantz holds the same position with the Indians. The procedure, called a tenodesis, took 45 minutes.

It has been a frustrating year for Brantley as he tried to regain a spot in the Tribe's lineup. He received two cortisone shots and in July underwent a procedure to break up the scar tissue around the biceps tendinitis. None of it gave him the relief he needed.

He continually reached a point in his rehab where he would feel pain in his shoulder and it would stop him from swinging the bat with authority. He played 11 games with the Indians, hitting .231 with no homers and seven RBI. He went on two rehab assignments and was seen by at least four doctors.

Brantley's last game with the Indians was May 9. He ended his last rehab assignment on July 19 with Class AA Akron.

"We talked Monday," said Francona. "He's had a lot on his plate for a guy who hasn't played. He's pretty tired out. He's given a lot to try and come back, and he's going to have to do that again.

"The good news is, if anybody's willing, he's the guy. He's about as conscientious as anybody you're going to find."

Meister and Schickendantz told the Indians that Brantley's labrum and shoulder joint are intact and look strong.

"There were so many times that he'd get in the batter's box, like in game situations, and that's when he would feel it," said Francona. "That's why it was kind of confounding. Just because he got so close that's what made it (difficult). When he came back from Texas, I was genuinely excited."

Brantley first saw Dr. Meister on June 21 for a second opinion. Meister's prognosis was biceps tendinitis and he gave Brantley his second cortisone shot.

Tribe's Brantley gets second opinion on shoulder

The Indians have been in first place in the AL Central for 73 consecutive days. They've done this with Brantley serving mostly as a spectator. Some would say losing him for the rest of the season is not a big thing. Francona is not among them.

"I think (Brantley's teammates) care so much about him that it is a blow," said Francona. "I'm not even talking about the field. We're finding ways to get it done. That doesn't mean we don't miss him or don't care.

"We have no alternative. But I be pretty most everyone to a man, they all care about him. He does it the way you're supposed to."

Brantley originally injured his shoulder diving for a ball on Sept. 22 against the Twins at Target Field.

Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe discuss Thomas' back issues and more in their training camp report. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns practiced on Tuesday in preparation for their second preseason game on Thursday night. One noticeable absence was left tackle Joe Thomas, still dealing with a back issue.

Following practice, Mary Kay Cabot and I talked about Thomas and if we should be worried about his back. We also talked about the return of rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman to team drills along with wide receiver Josh Gordon.

Check out the video above for our full report.

Would the Indians be willing to add an offensive-minded catcher such as Kurt Suzuki or will they stand with pitching-oriented catchers Roberto Perez and Chris Gimenez?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - After Jonathan Lucroy vetoed his trade to the Indians, several teams offered them a catcher. The Indians weren't interested at the time, but you have to wonder if they'd take another look at Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki?

Suzuki has reportedly cleared waivers and can be traded, but here's what the Indians could be weighing. Suzuki is an offensive-minded catcher. His defense and ability to run a pitching staff are not his best traits.

Roberto Perez and Chris Gimenez, the current catchers, are all about working with the staff, game calling and controlling the running game. Pitching, despite a rocky August, has been a constant for the Indians this season.

So do you make a deal for Suzuki to help the offense? Or do you stay with Perez and Gimenez and wait for Yan Gomes to make it back from his separated right shoulder?

Manager Terry Francona said Gomes might travel with the team on part of their next trip. On Monday, the Indians open a three-game series against the A's in Oakland before playing Texas for four games in Arlington.

Perez, who started Tuesday night against Chicago, entered the game hitting .089 (5-for-56) after missing nine weeks following surgery on his right thumb. Gimenez is hitting .217 (25-for-115) with three homers and 10 RBI.

Suzuki is hitting .283 (79-for-269) with 21 doubles, six homers, 37 RBI and a .781 OPS. He's a free agent at the end of the season and has about $1.5 million left on his contract.

Testing, testing: Right-hander Tommy Hunter (back) is pitching well on his rehab assignment at Class AAA Columbus and eager to rejoin the Indians.

"We're trying to get him to understand that we need him to go back-to-back (because) we have a seven-man bullpen now," said manager Terry Francona. "He's raring to go, but we're trying to get him to understand we need him to pitch a little more."

Finally: Right-hander Mike Clevinger moved to the bullpen on Tuesday with Danny Salazar scheduled to return to the rotation Thursday against Chicago. Clevinger arrived from Columbus and made two starts while Salazar was on the disabled list with a sore right elbow. ... The Dodgers have released Zach Walters, who went to spring training with the Tribe this year. ... The Tigers acquired shortstop Erick Aybar from Atlanta. Former Indian Mike Aviles was one of the players going to the Braves. The Tigers need some infield help with third baseman Nick Castellanos and shortstop Jose Iglesias on the disabled list.

The Browns and nickelback K'Waun Williams have a disconnect about what's going on with him right now. He's having his ankle checked out, but the Browns feel they received 'mixed messages' from him in Green Bay.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns and nickelback K'Waun Williams are in the midst of a messy situation, and it may not end well.

The club and Williams are at odds over the events of Friday night's preseason game in Green Bay, and Williams' future with the club is now in jeopardy.

At the very least, there's a disconnect between Williams and the team about what's going on with him.

"We'll talk about that at a different time,'' Hue Jackson said Tuesday. "I just think there are a lot of mixed messages that are going on as far as all that's concerned. We'll deal with it, and I'm sure we'll all talk about it at the appropriate time."

A source told cleveland.com that Williams suffered an ankle injury during the Orange and Brown scrimmage at Ohio State when covering Rashard Higgins on a pass from Robert Griffin III and received treatment afterwards by a member of the training staff.

When Williams got to Green Bay for the Packers game Friday night, he determined that the ankle was too sore, and scratched himself from the game.

Deciding to sit was not well-received by the Browns, who announced that he was inactive for a personal reason. Apparently, they were not clear on the ankle pain.

The Browns' starting nickelback the past two seasons, Williams has not returned to Berea for training camp. Multiple sources said Williams may have given the Browns the impression he was retiring.

But another league source told cleveland.com that Williams has been away seeking a second opinion on his ankle from an independent specialist in Charlotte, N.C. or elsewhere.

"There is conflicting information on the history of his ankle,'' the source said.

Here's #Browns RG3 turning on the jets - and then sliding pic.twitter.com/cIJNAh61uH

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 8, 2016

Williams also has also suffered multiple concussions over the past two years, but the source said his absence has nothing to do with that.

Robert Griffin III in the process of filing for divorce

He said Williams' plan is to return to the Browns as soon as he has the second opinion, which he might also get in Cleveland.

But the door might be closed to him by then. Asked Tuesday if Williams was back in town yet, Jackson said, "I'm not going to even comment on that right now."

Jackson's tone was completely different when asked about defensive end John Hughes, who missed nine practices and the Green Bay game because of a personal reason.  

"It's exciting to have him back,'' Jackson said. "Obviously, he's been with us through all of the off-season. Obviously, there is some catching up to do but he's been in the system, was there in OTAs and around the coaches. Hopefully, he can get back up to speed quickly."

Williams, in the last year of a contract that pays him $600,000 this year, has been in a battle for the starting nickel job with Jamar Taylor, the former second-round pick of the Dolphins who was acquired in a draft day trade.

Now, it appears the job is Taylor's -- unless Williams can work himself back into the good graces of the team.

"In Jamar's case, he's a true professional,'' defensive backs coach Louie Cioffi said last week. "He's embraced the challenge. He's come in and he's worked really hard both on and off the field. He takes coaching really well. He really has a really good athletic skillset. He can play both on the outside and he can play inside. Like I said, I'm excited to see him play in games. I'm glad we got him."

Coiffi cited Taylor's "knowledge of football, his awareness of football, just being a natural football player, No.1, but then his really good quickness, that really helps when you're inside there'' as reasons he'll make a good nickel.

Cioffi preferred not to dwell on why Taylor didn't pan out in Miami.

"I don't know what they were asked to do,'' Cioffi. "All I know is what we coach and what we expect from them."

Last season, Williams, signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh in 2014, totaled 38 tackles, one sack, two passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

He's been a quality defensive back the past two seasons, but unless the two sides can get on the same page soon, his career here might be over.

The annual LeBron James Family Foundation event Tuesday brought 5,000 to Cedar Point to highlight the group's work to improve read scores and truancy rates in Akron Public Schools.

SANDUSKY, Ohio - LeBron James used his annual gathering of about 5,000 students, family members, and friends of his foundation's child mentoring program at Cedar Point to reinforce his message of community building from a stirring speech he delivered last month at the ESPYs.

For him, a way to combat the societal problems of violence and race in African-American and inner-city communities is to, well, strengthen the communities.

"I believe that in order for us to ultimately be as great as we can be as a nation, that all of us have to go back into our communities and lend our hand," James said on stage at the LeBron James Family Foundation's "We Are Family" Reunion, held for the second of what will be five consecutive years at Cedar Point.

The event is an induction into his program of the next class - Akron Public School third graders who have fallen behind academically and often come from the low end of the socioeconomic program. The mission of James' program is to help these children not only improve their reading and math scores, but motivate them to stay in school and ultimately go to college.

Last month, James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul kicked off the ESPYs with a solemn, pointed speech decrying the rash of shootings of African-Americans by police, as well as shootings of some Dallas police officers.

LeBron's ESPYs speech for social justice

James said then that athletes should use the moment to "go back to our communities. Invest our time, our resources. Help rebuild them, help strengthen them, help change them. We all have to do better."

On Tuesday night in Sandusky, with the Power Tower and Iron Dragon amusement rides humming in the background, James showed that he'd been living his edict for going on six years. That's how long it's been since he changed the mission of his foundation to create this mentorship program and focus on improving reading scorers and staying in school to graduation.

"It starts brick by brick, person by person, family by family, kid by kid, and just using our resources, using our strength, and everything that we've been able to do to just build up these communities," James said Tuesday night. "That's why I'm excited to be up here right now, because with the help of my foundation and with the help of just so many people who give us the leeway to do what we want to do, we're able to give back to these young kids.

"We all know that they're our future, and we need to understand that."

There was no "news" per say at this year's event - last August at Cedar Point James and then-University of Akron president Scott Scarborough announced scholarships beginning in 2021 for any student who graduates from both James' mentoring program and Akron Public schools. The scholarships will be paid for by the university.

But the change James and his foundation really seeks - to snap generational, cyclical poverty by giving children a chance in education they might not otherwise would get, takes years to see results. Tuesday night's event was more a celebration of not only the mission and the progress to date, but a realization that there are still five years until that first class of foundation students graduates high school.

James took the stage at an evening rally, cutting through the crowd toward the stage while pop star Aloe Blacc sang his hit "The Man." Preceding was a video outlining the maturation of the James' foundation and its mission, and tying the Cavaliers' come-from-behind win in the 2016 NBA Finals to the success of the mostly inner-city children in James' program who are overcoming odds of their own.

Born out of James' old bike-a-thon from before he left the Cavs for Miami in 2010, the program has now swelled to more than 1,200 Akron Public Schools children in grades three through eight. About 220 third graders enrolled this year. They still get bikes, but, this program is now about so much more.

The students often receive personal correspondence from James, encouraging them to not only attend school, but to do well. Parents also get notes from James, as well as occasional help with groceries and other items. The foundation also launched a program to help adults attain their GEDs.

"This is always the greatest night for myself," James said. "Another great night was in Golden State, uh, Game 7. That night wasn't too bad, that was a pretty good night too. But this night trumps it all."

Browns suspend K'Waun Williams 2 weeks and 1 game check for not playing in Green Bay. But a source said he was suffering from an ankle injury. He'll have a second opinion Wednesday night.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns cornerback K'Waun Williams has been suspended for two weeks and one game check by the Browns for refusing to play in Green Bay, league sources told cleveland.com.

The game check amounts to $36,647 -- 1/17th of his $640,000 salary. Technically, he was suspended for violation of team rules.

A source said Williams left Green Bay claiming he was going to retire and then came back the next day saying his ankle was injured.

But a source close to Williams said the nickelback made the team aware on Friday night that the sore ankle was the reason he couldn't play.

Williams is scheduled to receive a second opinion on the ankle in Cleveland Wednesday at about 5 p.m.

Until he receives the results of that exam, he'll reserve comment or action on the suspension, his agent, Evan Krakow told cleveland.com.said.

NFL Network reported that Williams opted not to play because nickelback Jamar Taylor was starting ahead of him, but the source told cleveland.com that was untrue.

The source said Williams was still ailing from the ankle injury first suffered while defending Rashard Higgins on a pass from Robert Griffin III in the Orange and Browns scrimmage at Ohio State. He was seen by a trainer after coming up limping that day and received treatment the day before the Packers game.

Williams is expected to fight the suspension pending the outcome of the exam Wednesday night.

Hue Jackson declined to elaborate on the mess Tuesday.

"We'll talk about that at a different time,'' he said. "I just think there are a lot of mixed messages that are going on as far as all that's concerned. We'll deal with it, and I'm sure we'll all talk about it at the appropriate time."

The fact that he decided to sit was not well-received by the Browns, who announced before the game that he sitting out for a personal reason.

"There is conflicting information about the history of his ankle,'' the source said.

The Browns starting nickelback the past two seasons, Williams has not returned to Berea for training camp since he sat out the Green Bay game.

The source said Williams has been away seeking a second opinion on his ankle from an independent specialist in Charlotte, N.C.  Williams also has also suffered multiple concussions over the past two years, but the source said his absence from the team has nothing to do with that.

He said Williams' plan was to return to the Browns as soon as he got the second opinion.

K'Waun Williams situation getting messy

But the door might be closed to him by then.

The situation has grown ugly and Williams' career in Cleveland is probably over.

 Asked Tuesday if Williams was back in town yet, Jackson said, "I'm not going to even comment on that right now."

Jackson's tone was completely different when asked about defensive end John Hughes, who missed nine practice and the Green Bay game because of a personal reason.  

"It's exciting to have him back,'' Jackson said. "Obviously, he's been with us through all of the offseason. Obviously, there is some catching up to do but he's been in the system, was there in OTAs and around the coaches. Hopefully, he can get back up to speed quickly."

Williams, in the last year of a contract that pays him $600,000 this year, has been in a battle for the starting nickelback job with Taylor, the former second-round pick of the Dolphins who was acquired in a draft day trade.

Now, it appears the job is Taylor's -- unless Williams can somehow work himself back into the good graces of the team, which seems unlikely.

"In Jamar's case, he's a true professional,'' said Cioffi. "He's embraced the challenge. He's come in and he's worked really hard both on and off the field. He takes coaching really well. He really has a really good athletic skillset. He can play both on the outside and he can play inside. Like I said, I'm excited to see him play in games. I'm glad we got him."

Coiffi cited Taylor's "knowledge of football, his awareness of football, just being a natural football player, No.1, but then his really good quickness, that really helps when you're inside there'' as reasons he'll make a good nickelback.

Cioffi preferred not to dwell on why Taylor didn't pan out in Miami.

"I try not to talk about what they've done other places because I don't know what they were asked to do,'' Cioffi. "All I know is what we coach and what we expect from them."

Last season, Williams, signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh, totaled 38 tackles, one sack, two passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

He's been a quality nickelback the past two seasons, but unless the two sides can get on the same page soon, his career here might be over.

Jordan Smith has two RBI for the RubberDucks.

Jordan SmithAkron RubberDucks 

Jordan SmithAkron RubberDucks 

TRENTON, New Jersey -- Jordan Smith had two RBI and right-hander Julian Merryweather gave up one run in five innings as the RubberDucks defeated the Thunder, 4-1, on Tuesday night.

The win was the third straight for the RubberDucks and puts them back above .500 in the Class AA Eastern League (61-60).

Akron started quick, with Greg Allen leading off with a double off Thunder starter Will Carter (0-3, 4.97 ERA). That set up Smith to drive in Allen with a one-out RBI single.

Nellie Rodriguez drew the first of his three walks, then Mike Papi singled to load the bases. Smith then scored on a groundout by Eric Stamets to give the RubberDucks a 2-0 lead.

Trenton scored in the bottom of the inning to make it 2-1, but would not score again. Akron added runs in the fourth and ninth innings, and Merryweather combined with three other RubberDucks pitchers to shut out Trenton for the rest of the game.

Papi finished the game 2-for-5 with an RBI. Go here to see a box score from the game.

The Indians stretched their lead to six games in the AL Central with Tuesday's win over the White Sox.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If the stretch run isn't here, it's close. It's easy to tell because Corey Kluber and Jason Kipnis are nearing lockdown mode.

Kluber won his fifth straight decision and Kipnis had three hits Tuesday night as the Indians beat the White Sox, 3-1, at Progressive Field.

The Indians, 5-1 on this homestand, pushed their lead in the AL Central to six games over Detroit, which lost to Kansas City. It is their biggest lead since July 24.

Kluber (13-8, 3.15 ERA) allowed one run with seven strikeouts in six innings. He's 5-0 in his last seven starts with a 1.29 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 43 innings.

When did manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Mickey Callaway know Kluber was getting close to go time? They had a pretty good idea when he told them recently that from here on out he wanted to pitch every five days. He told them he'd been through it and was ready for the challenge again.

Kluber is 9-2 in his last 13 starts and is pitching like the Cy Young winner from 2014. He improved to 2-0 against the White Sox this year, holding them to two runs in 13 1/3 innings.

Kipnis helped the Tribe beat a tough customer in Jose Quintana (9-9, 2.85). He doubled with one out in the first and scored when Francisco Lindor followed with another double that crossed up center fielder J.B. Shuck.

In the eighth, with the Tribe leading, 2-1, Chicago manager Robin Ventura brought in lefty Dan Jennings to face Kipnis with one out and Roberto Perez on third. Kipnis singled to right for a 3-1 lead.

Kipnis had three hits Tuesday, all against lefties. He came into the game hitting .287 (39-for-136) against lefties and .291 (90-for-309) against righties.

Last year Kipnis hit .250 against lefties and .334 against righties.

Mike Napoli gave the Indians a 2-0 lead in the third with a two-out single. Rajai Davis scored from second. Davis started the inning with a walk, but Quintana picked him off first. Davis, however, still managed to dive into second base safely for his AL-leading 33rd stolen base.

The White Sox made it a 2-1 game in the sixth on Justin Morneau's homer to right off Kluber. Morneau, who had two hits off Kluber, came into the game hitting .400 (6-for-15) against him.

Lefty Andrew Miller once again proved his worth to his new team. Miller took over for Kluber in the seventh and retired six straight. Cody Allen pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 23rd save.

What it means

The Indians are on a 7-0 run against the White Sox this season. They lead the series, 8-2.

The victory improved their record to 31-16 in the Central and 35-21 at home. Chicago has lost 12 of its last 18 games.

The pitches

Kluber threw 112 pitches, 72 or 64 percent for strikes. Quintana threw 105 pitches, 62 or 59 percent for strikes.

The 112 pitches Kluber threw were his third highest total in 24 starts this season.

Call overturned

The Indians challenged a safe call at first base to start the seventh. First base umpire Jim Wolf called catcher Omar Narvaez safe on a grounder to Lindor in the hole at short. The Tribe challenged and Narvaez was called out after a review of 1:22. The Indians are 21 for 35 (60 percent) on challenges this year.

It was the second time Narvaez was denied by a fine play by an Indians infielder. Jose Ramirez made a diving stop of Narvaez's bloop in front of third base and threw him out from one knee.

Thanks for coming

The White Sox and Indians drew 13,857 to Progressive Field on Tuesday night. Indians' attendance for the season is 1,113,963 in 57 home dates.

First pitch was 7:11 p.m. with a temperature of 77 degrees.

What's next?

Tribe right-hander Carlos Carrasco (8-6, 3.21) will face Chicago right-hander Anthony Ranaudo (1-1, 8.71).

Carrasco is 1-1 in his last two starts. He has one no-decision this year and is 3-8 lifetime against the White Sox. Melky Cabrera is hitting .429 (9-for-21) with two homers and eight RBI.

The White Sox acquired Ranaudo from Texas in May. He's appeared in the big leagues with both teams this year, making three appearances and one start. 

Ranaudo is 7-6 with a 3.19 ERA in 19 starts at the Triple-A level for both organizations.