Carrasco (elbow) is expected to start the Indians' second game of the season, April 4 against the Rangers in Arlington, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was some talk of Carrasco possibly opening the year on the 10-day DL -- he only built up to three innings in his most recent start following the elbow scare. However, manager Terry Francona said Carrasco should be fine if he gets to four innings in his final spring start Wednesday against the Reds, as the bullpen will be ready to back him up. Carrasco will be looking to stay healthy and surpass 150 innings at the major league level for just the second time in his career.

Carrasco (elbow) has only been stretched out to three innings so there is a chance be begins the season on the 10-day disabled list, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carrasco tossed three scoreless frames in his most recent Cactus League start March 13, although it wasn't exactly a who's who in the Cubs lineup. Still, he is making progress. The team might begin with eight relievers since they do not need a fifth starter until April 15, allowing Carrasco more time to heal. Stay tuned.

Carrasco, making his first spring appearance since experiencing elbow discomfort during his start on Mar. 13, tossed three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two in Friday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs deployed a somewhat make-shift lineup, but the importance of Carrasco's performance shouldn't be understated. Health has been the righty's biggest foe over the past year, and he received a huge scare earlier in camp when his throwing elbow flared up. However, he appears to be back on track and feels confident there's nothing to worry about moving forward. Over the next 10 days, the Indians will need to decide how to handle Carrasco's comeback in terms of the rotation alignment. Due to early-season off-days, manager Terry Francona has the option of not using a fifth starter until Apr. 15. If the club feels Carrasco needs more time to get his innings and pitch count built up, he could be slotted in the back of the rotation.

Carrasco, who successfully completed a minor league outing Monday, is aiming to make his next Cactus League start on March 24 against the Cubs, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carrasco fired his full arsenal in his 33-pitch minor league outing Monday against the Reds' Triple-A affiliate. The righty's fastball sat appropriately at 92-93 mph throughout the nine hitters he faced. After the appearance, Carrasco felt relieved that his recent elbow swelling was nothing more than a scare, and felt confident in how he threw. "My last game, I was trying to throw my breaking pitches, and I couldn't," Carrasco said. "My changeup was good today. My curveball, slider, everything felt fine," he said. Barring any setbacks, Carrasco is scheduled to make his next Cactus League appearance on Friday. If the right-hander continues to progress without issues, there is still a chance he could slot in behind ace Corey Kluber as the Tribe's No. 2 start. Should the Indians feel Carrasco needs more time, the team does not technically need a fifth starter until April 15.

To correct an earlier report, Carrasco (elbow) completed a bullpen session Saturday and will make a minor league spring training start Monday, with his major league start scheduled for Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was previously reported that Carrasco's bullpen session was scheduled for Sunday. The news remains encouraging and Carrasco appears to be on pace to be ready for the start of the big league season.

Carrasco (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Sunday and is scheduled to make his next start on Friday, March 24, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carrasco was diagnosed with elbow swelling on Tuesday and was expected to miss his next start. He began playing catch on Thursday and is feeling well enough to throw a bullpen session Sunday. Barring any setbacks, it appears that the 29-year-old will be ready for the regular season.

Carrasco (elbow) is feeling good and was cleared to play catch Thursday, according to Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. Carrasco is slated to throw in a minor league or simulated game in the coming days, unless he suffers a setback.

EDGE Analysis

It's mildly good news for the right-hander with swelling in his throwing elbow, though fantasy owners should monitor his progress before considering him in drafts. Luckily, caution may put him on track to miss only minimal, if any, regular-season time, considering tests didn't reveal structural damage, according to manager Terry Francona. Still, for all the wondrous skills Carrasco displays when on the mound, his injury-laden past should prompt caution when bidding on him.

Carrasco is dealing with swelling in his throwing elbow and is expected to miss at least one start, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carrasco received an MRI on Tuesday following his poor performance during the team's Cactus League contest Monday. Manager Terry Francona stated that the MRI showed no structural elbow damage, so it appears that Carrasco has avoided a serious injury. The Indians will likely take a very cautious approach with the 29-year-old, who is coming off of an injury-plagued 2016 campaign.

Carrasco will be evaluated Tuesday to be sure everything is OK with his health, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pitching coach Mickey Callaway said Carrasco's fastball was "really flat" during his Cactus League outing Monday. Carrasco was clobbered for eight runs on eight hits in just 1.2 innings during Monday's game. He did tell the Associated Press afterward that he feels "fine," but it seems the Indians want to be absolutely sure before putting Carrasco back on the mound.

Carrasco tossed three near-perfect innings, holding the Mariners hitless while walking one and striking out two in Wednesday's Cactus League matchup.

EDGE Analysis

Carrasco finally put things together Wednesday after two forgettable outings to start the spring. Following the game, Carrasco felt he was finally on the right track, "Yes, yes," he said. "Today I feel exactly where I want to be." The righty was buzzing along last season with an 11-8 record, 3.32 ERA and 150 strikeouts through 146.1 innings on Sept. 17 when a line drive fractured his right hand and ended his campaign. Carrasco hadn't thrown for five months entering spring training, but he's obviously shaking the rust off while calming the nerves of owners heading into drafts.