Indians manager upbeat despite record

Despite being in last place and 20 games under .500, manager Manny Acta likes the improvement he has seen in the young Cleveland Indians.

The Indians went 34-54 in the first half but hope two key players will return from injuries some time in July.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is on a minor-league rehab assignment as he recovers from a broken left forearm suffered in May.

Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, out since July 2 with an injured right thumb, took part in drills Thursday as the team prepared to face AL Central rival Detroit in a four-game series that starts Friday night at Progressive Field.