MESA, Ariz. – Opening day for two of the Indians most important players could be headed in opposite directions.

While Justin Masterson was striking out eight Chicago Cubs in five scoreless innings Sunday afternoon, center fielder Michael Bourn was leaving a game against the Giants in the second inning with tightness in his left hamstring.

The Indians called it "mild tightness,' but because Bourn had surgery on the same hamstring after last season, there is reason for concern. With two weeks left before Masterson takes the mound against Oakland in the season opener, Bourn's readiness for that game and the early part of April could be in question.

Hamstring injuries, like oblique injuries, can last from four to six weeks and must be treated cautiously. When it involves a player like Bourn who depends so much on quickness and speed, that is even more the case.

After the game the injury was referred to as a "cramp' in the hamstring. The Indians said there will be an update on Bourn's status Monday.

If Bourn is unable to play for an extended period, the Indians could move Michael Brantley from left to center. David Murphy, signed this winter to play right field, can play left as can Ryan Raburn, but it's unlikely the Indians would want Raburn to play every day.

The Indians have veteran outfielders Jeff Francoeur, Matt Carson and Nyjer Morgan in camp. Morgan, a true center fielder, is sidelined with a strained left calf muscle. Carson didn't play Sunday because of a bruised left hand. First baseman Nick Swisher can also play the outfield.

"His hammy was a little tender and they took him out for precautionary reasons," said manager Terry Francona, who was t the Cubs game. "That's all we know right now."

Masterson, meanwhile, continued his strong spring. He's 2-0 in four Cactus League starts and has not allowed a run in 13 innings. He's struck out 14, walked two and allowed six hits.

"We're moving along in the right direction," said Masterson. "It's nice to see the ball sinking and the slider sliding. "

Asked how close he was to being ready for the season, Masterson said, "Who knows? You never really know, but I think we're right there. If we had to play tomorrow, I think we'd be good enough."

Masterson and his agent are still waiting to here a response from the Indians on his contract proposal.

"As I said before, the ball is in their court," said Masterson. "You crunch some numbers and see some things . . . that's where we're at."

Masterson can be a free agent at the end of the season.

In the swing: Buster Posey wasn't the only casualty when Florida's Scott Cousins took out the Giants catcher in a violent home-plate collision on May 25, 2011. While the Giants lost one of their best players for the rest of the season with a broken left ankle, Ryan Rohlinger lost his spot on San Francisco's 40-man roster.

"In the first part of the 2011 season, I was struggling. Then when Buster go hurt," said Rohlinger, "they needed a spot on the roster. They didn't have any catchers on the roster so I was the guy they took off to make a spot.

"That's my claim to fame. But Buster came back, he's a good guy, and I'm glad he's healthy and things are going well for him."

The Rockies claimed Rohlinger on waivers shortly after his release, but released him after the season. Less then two months later, the Indians signed Rohlinger as a free agent.

Rohlinger, 30, has spent the last two years in the minors with the Tribe. Last year he hit .266 (85-for-319) with 17 doubles, five homers and 25 RBI in 92 games for Class AAA Columbus. He played 57 games at third, 26 at shortstop and nine at second.

This spring, Rohlinger has been one of the top hitters in big league camp. He's hitting .500 (6-for-12) with five RBI in 13 Cactus League games.

Rohlinger has done all that damage as a defensive replacement in mid to late-game situation. His start at second base Sunday was his first of the spring.

"I try to do everything the right way," said Rohlinger. "Whatever the team needs situation wise, that's what I try to do. In practice I work on those situation so when the games come it's easier.

"I don't try to go up there and hit home runs every time. I try to let the game dictate what I can do. There's a task and I try to perform that task."

Minor leaguers attack: The Indians, playing road games against the Giants and Cubs on Sunday, filled out their two teams with 24 minor league players.

The Tribe pulled so many players out of the minor league complex, that a scheduled Class AAA game was canceled. Tony Amato, Indians equipment managers, was scrambling to find enough jerseys.

Take a break: Francona, between now and Wednesday, will give groups of "five to six players" a break from the grind of camp. They'll take batting practice and then go home. Coincided with Thursday's off day, Francona believes that will refresh those players for the homestretch of camp.

Finally: Ryan Raburn left the team over the weekend and returned home to Tampa where his wife, Suzanne, is expecting their second child . . . Carson (left hand)

could be back in the lineup by Monday . . . Morgan still hasn't been cleared to play because of his calf injury. He went through a full workout on Sunday . . .Cubs Park was sold out Sunday. Scalpers were getting $35 for $8 lawn tickets.