CHICAGO -- MVP candidate Jose Ramirez was not in the starting lineup Thursday night against the White Sox because of a sore right wrist as the Indians went for their 15th straight win.

Manager Terry Francona said Ramirez could miss the next couple of games to make sure he's all right for the stretch run.

Francona also said that right-hander Danny Salazar will start pitching out of the bullpen on Sunday.

"A couple nights ago he checked a swing and aggravated his right wrist a little bit," said Francona. "He felt it Wednesday night. I just thought it made sense to give him day or two and let the trainers work on him.

"They're not worried about him. It's not in a bad spot. But he's played a lot. It might be a day. It might be a day or two."

Salazar came off the disabled list on Tuesday and lated just two-thirds of an inning. The Indians talked about letting him start another game, pitch a simulated game or have him follow another starter into a game.

The decision was made to put Salazar in the bullpen.

"Danny just didn't feel like the sim game would help him enough," said Francona. "So starting Sunday we'll put him in the bullpen. When the opportunity presents itself we'll try to get him out there for a two or three-inning stint. So that would almost be like his next start."