Indians pitcher Corey Kluber will pitch in a simulated game Thursday rather than take part in Cactus League play, MLB.com reports.
"We're just trying to monitor his intensity," manager Terry Francona said. "Like all our pitchers, the guys we know are going to pitch with us, we try to communicate with them and do what is in their best interest to get ready for a season. This way he can work on some things and not have to worry about the scoreboard or people in the stands. It probably tones down the intensity, not that he's not trying to throw. I think it's really helpful."
Francona added that Kluber isn't the only pitcher that the team is preparing in this fashion. The Cleveland ace signed a one-year deal earlier Wednesday.