4 Bradley Zimmer CF

Zimmer is still in Arizona rehabbing a side injury that he suffered at the end of spring training, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Zimmer sustained the injury while making a throw to a base near the end of March, and he's only been cleared to take dry cuts at this point. It looks as though he's at least a couple weeks away from a return given his lack of progress.

Zimmer's (shoulder) rehab program has been slowed down after he incurred some side soreness last weekend, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The Indians had been optimistic that Zimmer would be ready to report to an affiliate when the minor-league season begins during the upcoming week, but the new injury likely puts those plans on hold. Instead, Zimmer is expected to remain at extended spring training and receive more oversight as he continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery. The outfielder appears unlikely to return from the 10-day injured list for at least a few more weeks.

The Indians placed Zimmer (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Zimmer only recently returned to action in minor-league games after he had been sidelined since last June following shoulder surgery, so he'll need additional time at extended spring training to pick up steady at-bats and outfield work. The Indians haven't outlined a timeline for Zimmer to join the big club, but once that happens, he could settle into a starting role in an outfield lacking in high-end options.

Zimmer (shoulder) will open the season on the injured list, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

This was expected, as Zimmer has been behind schedule all spring while working his way back from right shoulder surgery. It remains to be seen how long the outfielder will spend on the shelf, but once he's ready, Zimmer should assume a prominent role int he Indians' outfield.

Zimmer (shoulder) played in a minor-league spring training game Wednesday, T.J. Zuppe of The Athletic reports.

This was a huge step for Zimmer, who saw his first game action since June of 2018. He was very proud and defiant about the fact that he made it back to game action, but it still seems likely that he will be held back in extended spring training and open the year on the injured list. Once he is ready, he should assume a prominent role in the Indians' outfield, but he hit .226 with a 38.6 percent strikeout rate in 114 MLB plate appearances last season, so he is far from a lock to be a productive fantasy option.