HOUSTON -- The plan is for Indians ace Corey Kluber to throw a minimum of 35 pitches across two innings in a scheduled simulated game at noon on Saturday at Progressive Field. However, the right-hander isn't limited to that pitch count."It could be more, depending on how he's feeling," manager

HOUSTON -- The plan is for Indians ace Corey Kluber to throw a minimum of 35 pitches across two innings in a scheduled simulated game at noon on Saturday at Progressive Field. However, the right-hander isn't limited to that pitch count.

"It could be more, depending on how he's feeling," manager Terry Francona said. "And then we'll go from there."

Kluber, the 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner, has been sidelined for most of May with a lower back strain. He threw a 40-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday.

As he rehabs his back injury, Corey will throw a two-inning sim game tomorrow at Progressive Field against some hitters from the Captains. pic.twitter.com/WnJw33fv41 — Cleveland Indians (@Indians) May 19, 2017

The next step in Kluber's progression could be in a game. Kluber was placed on the 10-day disabled list on May 3.

"It could certainly be. We'll see how he gets through it, how he feels," Francona said. "It will all depend on how he's doing. It certainly could be."

Right-hander Carlos Carrasco threw a bullpen session on Friday and is expected to start Tuesday in Cincinnati. Carrasco left his last start with left pectoral tightness.

"He's fine," Francona said. "He's throwing his bullpen today. He's good. No issues, he's OK."