CINNCINNATI -- Danny Salazar didn’t catch the 3:10 to Yuma (old-time Western movie reference), but he did finally break out of Goodyear, Ariz.

Salazar, an All-Star in 2016 who has not pitched in the big leagues since 2017, will continue his rehab assignment Thursday when he starts at Class AA Akron. He has not pitched in a game outside of the Arizona desert since his postseason appearance against the Yankees in the 2017 ALDS.

“This is a good step because it gets him out of Arizona," said manager Terry Francona. “It gets him into a stadium under the lights. It will be more of a (game-like) atmosphere. So that will be interesting to see how he responds to that.

“He’s excited to get out of there. So that’s the best sign.”

When the Indians recently started Salazar’s rehab clock -- pitchers get 30 days -- they were debating whether to use him as a starter or reliever because of the fragility of his right shoulder and elbow. Salazar missed all of the 2018 season because a sore right shoulder that required surgery.

“We’re going to keep him on five-day starter routine and see how he responds to it,” said Francona. “We think that’s the best way to go about it. If we have to make a decision at some point we will.”

Salazar has been a starter throughout the bulk of his career with the Indians.

Regarding other injured pitchers, Corey Kluber (right forearm) continues to play long toss.

“The next step are bullpen (sessions), but we’re not there yet,” said Francona.

Right-handers Dan Otero (right shoulder) and Jefry Rodriguez (right rotator cuff) resumed throwing in Cleveland while the Indians have been on this trip.

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