GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Nick Swisher will get his first Cactus League at-bats on Wednesday when the Indians face the Giants in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Swisher, who is still coming back from double knee surgery in August, has run the bases on multiple days and took part in a minor-league game on Monday.
"He thinks he is ready. Since he does I think being in a regular game can give him a push," Francona said. "We didn't want to do it until we were sure we weren't going to activate him the first 10 days of the season."
Swisher will begin the season on the disabled list but will accompany the team to Houston for the opening series. He will return here following that series for extended spring training before heading to Akron or Columbus for rehab games.
Besides getting regular at-bats, Francona wants to see Swisher play back-to-back games in the outfield as another sign that he is closer to returning. Francona did not know if Swisher would take part in any other Cactus League games. The Tribe take on the Reds Thursday and then conclude with two straight against the Brewers.
When Swisher does return, it will be interesting to see how Francona is able to balance at-bats if there aren't any injuries. David Murphy and Brandon Moss are expected early on to alternate at right field and designated hitter, but Ryan Raburn will also factor into the mix, especially in matchups against left-handers.
Wednesday's game is also noteworthy due to the starting pitchers, who are getting their final spring work. Corey Kluber will go for the Indians and Madison Bumgarner takes the hill for the Giants. Kluber threw 108 pitches over six-plus innings last Friday against Arizona.
Carlos Carrasco is scheduled to return to camp Tuesday evening after his wife gave birth to their fourth child. The right-hander is tentatively slated to start on Friday and is in line to pitch the second game of the season on April 8.
