CLEVELAND - There is a reason why Justin Masterson is the Cleveland Indians' ace.

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Every fifth day, Indians manager Terry Francona knows he'll get innings, maximum effort and nothing but smiles from his No. 1 starter.

CLEVELAND -- Justin Masterson pitched into the seventh inning and Michael Brantley belted two home runs to lead the Cleveland Indians to a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals Wednesday night.

Update: Perez (shoulder) will not be activated from the disabled list Friday, WTAM 1100 AM reports.

Indians outfielder Nick Swisher has not appeared in a game since June 15 due to soreness in his left shoulder. But he is apparently feeling much better. From Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer comes word that Swisher is tentatively scheduled to return to the Indians? starting lineup this Saturday against the Twins. He?

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- UCLA coach John Savage says it's about time for Adam Plutko and Nick Vander Tuig to get their due.