Joe Smith (strained abdominal muscle) will play for Triple-A Columbus in an exhibition game against Ohio State on Tuesday.

Monday's scheduled exhibition game between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus was rained out. Smith will likely play in another exhibition game Wednesday before embarking on a minor league rehab assignment. He shouldn't need much time before returning from the disabled list.

Joe Smith (strained abdominal muscle) will appear in an exhibition game between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus Monday.

Smith threw a simulated game recently back in extended spring training and things seem to be moving along for him. He should be activated from the disabled list soon.

Indians placed RHP Joe Smith on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 22, with a strained abdominal muscle.

Smith hasn't appeared in a Cactus League game since March 9, but it shouldn't be much longer until he's ready. Because his DL-stint was backdated, he could return as soon as April 6.

Joe SMith (abdomen) played catch Wednesday from a distance of 90 feet and reported feeling fine.

The Indians have pretty much written Smith off for the start of the regular season, but he could return around mid-April if his rehab from an abdominal strain continues to run smoothly. He's played catch now three consecutive days.

Joe Smith (abdomen) acknowledged Monday that he won't be ready for the start of the regular season.

Smith was diagnosed with an abdominal strain in early March and still isn't back to normal. He played catch from a distance of 45 feet on Monday afternoon but probably won't step on a mound until the weekend or later.

Joe Smith (abdominal strain) is expected to resume throwing within a couple days, but there's no timetable for when he'll return to game action.

The right-hander has yet to even play catch to test out the injury. Though it's unlikely the malady will drag into the regular season, he'll need to start showing some progress soon.

Joe Smith (abdomen) played light catch Monday.

Smith hasn't stepped atop a mound in about a week now because of soreness in his abdomen. He's hoping to change that on Wednesday or Thursday with a bullpen session.

Joe Smith hasn't pitched in four days while suffering from a sore abdominal muscle.

He hopes to return to the mound Tuesday or Wednesday. Smith posted a 3.83 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 40 innings last year for the Indians.

Indians and RHP Joe Smith avoided arbitration Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $870,000 contract.

Smith posted a 3.83 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 40 innings this past year at the big league level along with a 1.96 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 23 innings at Triple-A. He was a candidate to be non-tendered this winter, but he's back and will serve as middle relief again next season.

Indians recalled RHP Joe Smtih from Triple-A Columbus.

A roster spot was cleared for Smith on Monday when struggling starter David Huff was optioned to the minor leagues. Smith has been doing quite well as a late reliever down on the farm, with a 2.09 ERA in his last 19 appearances, and will serve in middle relief for the Tribe.

Joe Smith is likely to be called up by the Indians on Tuesday afternoon.

Smith opened the season in the Indians' bullpen, but was sent to Triple-A after posting a 7.71 ERA in his first nine innings of work. He has rattled off a 2.09 ERA and two saves in 19 appearances at Triple-A since that demotion and will likely return to a role in middle relief.

Indians options RHP Joe Smith to Triple-A Columbus.

Smith gave up five runs in his last three appearances, leaving him with a 7.71 ERA in nine innings. Really, the Indians just wanted to take a look at Hector Ambriz.