Catchers have catching up to do in hitting

Catcher Yan Gomes was supposed to rejoin the Indians on Friday after a long stay on the disabled list, but he was hit in the right hand by a pitch Wednesday while playing for Class AA Akron and his condition is unclear.

(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

CHICAGO - Hold off on the Corey Kluber-Yan Gomes' reunion for Friday night at Progressive Field.

Gomes was hit in the right wrist by a pitch in the fifth inning Wednesday night while finishing his rehab assignment with the Class AA Akron RubberDucks in the Eastern League Championship Series against Trenton. He stayed in the game through that inning, but was replaced in the sixth by Joe Sever.

Chris Antonetti, Indians president of baseball operations, when asked about Gomes' condition said in a text, "We're working through it:"

When asked if it would delay Gomes being activated for Friday's series against the Tigers, Antonetti said, "It's too early to tell. We'll know more tomorrow (Thursday)."

Kluber is scheduled to start the critical three-game series. The Indians own a six-game lead in the AL Central over Detroit.

Gomes has been on the disabled list since July 17 when he dislocated his right shoulder against the Twins at Target Field on a play at first base. Manager Terry Francona, before Wednesday night's game against the White Sox, said that all signs were pointing toward Gomes' return on Friday.

After the Indians beat the White Sox, 6-1, Francona said, "He got hit in the hand and they took him out for precautionary reasons. That's all we know right now."

Akron beat Trenton, 4-2, to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Gomes was 1-for-2 before leaving the game.