Manager Terry Francona relayed that Kluber (back) would start Thursday's game against the Athletics, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kluber looked sharp in his rehab outing Friday for Double-A Akron, tossing five scoreless innings while giving up one hit and issuing no walks. The outing evidently convinced the organization that Kluber would be ready to make his next turn in the big leagues, so he'll be called upon to rejoin the rotation for the final game of the Tribe's homestand. The struggling Danny Salazar will temporarily move to the bullpen this week with Kluber returning, but over the long haul, either Mike Clevinger or Josh Tomlin would seem most at risk of losing his respective starting role.

Kluber (back) is expected to start Thursday against the A's,Zack Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kluber's recent dominant rehab start showed the Indians that he's ready to return to the big league club. He's been on the shelf since early-May due to some back stiffness, but he's progressed well in his rehab and is lined up to start Thursday. Prior to landing on the DL, Kluber had been a bit shaky with a 5.06 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP in six starts.

Kluber (back) allowed just one hit over five shutout innings in a rehab start Friday for Double-A Akron, Brad Bournival of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kluber retired the final 13 batters he faced and needed just 47 pitches to complete five frames. He was so efficient that he needed to head to the bullpen to throw more pitches to ensure he is stretched out by the time he reports to the major league club. Kluber could return as soon as May 31 against Oakland.

Kluber (back) had his scheduled rehab start for Triple-A Columbus rained out Thursday, and he'll instead pitch Friday for Double-A Akron, Zack Meisel of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cleveland wanted Kluber to throw around 75 pitches in what's expected to be his final rehab appearance, but the club feared he'd have to settle for an abbreviated outing and fall short of the required workload. As long as his practice outing goes well, the right-hander could return as early as a May 31 home clash with the Athletics.

Kluber (back) will head out on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kluber is expected to throw 70 to 75 pitches in his first start for Columbus, and how he feels after that will determine his path going forward. If all goes well, look for Kluber to make a return to Cleveland's rotation in the first week of June.

Kluber (back) tossed a three-inning rehab game Saturday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports. Barring any setbacks, he will partake in a rehab game Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Kluber has been on the shelf since May 3, but it sounds like if everything goes according to plan during his upcoming bullpen session and minor-league rehab appearance that Kluber could be ready to return to the Indians' rotation by the end of May. A subsequent update on his condition should become available following his upcoming activities.

Kluber (back) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kluber's threw 40 pitches without any hindrance Wednesday. He'll have a couple days of rest before throwing a simulated game Saturday. Kluber has steadily increased his amount of throwing activity over the past week, so a timeframe for his return should become clear in the near future.

Kluber (back) will throw off a mound Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a sign of progress for the former Cy Young award winner, although he's only expected to throw 20 pitches or so. This means Kluber is still a ways away from a return to the rotation (or a rehab assignment for that matter), although the Indians' plans for him moving forward should become clearer as he ramps up his activity.

Kluber has resumed throwing, but remains without a timetable for returning to MLB action, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to Friday's game against Minnesota, Tribe manager Terry Francona said that Kluber had begun playing catch on flat ground. The skipper added that the team will have a better idea of when Kluber will return once he's cleared to throw off a mound. "He's making some really good strides," Francona said. "We're pleased about that."

Kluber (back) will not return from the 10-day disabled list Sunday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports.

EDGE Analysis

That was the day Kluber was thought to come back, but it is clear now he will not be ready to do so. The next step for Kluber will be getting back on track to a traditional five-day starter's schedule.