CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' Chief Wahoo continues to make national headlines, the New York Times reporting Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred wants to move away from the icon.

Published the day after the Indians' home opener game, the Times says this is the first time Manfred "is identified as having staked out a clear position on the issue."

"We have specific steps in an identified process and are making progress,'' the spokesperson told the New York Times. "We are confident that a positive resolution will be reached that will be good for the game and the club.''

The Indians released the following statement on the issue Wednesday:

"We certainly understand the sensitivities of the logo- those who find it insensitive and also those fans who have a long standing attachment to its place in the history of the team. We fully expect to work with the Commissioner throughout the remainder of this season on finding a solution that is good for the game and our organization. Our primary focus right now is on the team and our pursuit of returning to the postseason."

Manfred met with the team in January, at which the league announced that the Indians would host the 2019 All-Star Game. When asked about the future of the logo at that meeting, he didn't want to speculate on the future of the decision, he told reporter Paul Hoynes.

"I want those conversations to continue and I think we'll produce a result that will be good for the Indians and good for baseball. But what exactly that is I don't want to speculate."

During the team's run in the World Series last year, Wahoo became subject of a national critique. The team has been fading out Wahoo for a while now, moving toward the Block C logo prominently displayed at Progressive Field.

Tensions were high outside the ballpark this year as Wahoo supporters clashed with protesters over the icon. Protesters have gathered outside during the home opener for more than 20 years. About two dozen came this year, according to cleveland.com reporter Mark Naymik.

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