Salazar feeling 'really strong' after sim game

Cleveland Indians right-hander Danny Salazar took a big step in his recovery from a forearm strain on Sunday, throwing a three-inning simulated game without issue that bolstered his hope of rejoining his team for the World Series.

"(I feel) really strong right now," Salazar told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. "The way I feel right now is the way I feel like when I'm 100 percent."

Salazar, who hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 9, will be evaluated over the next couple days, but if the club deems him ready to go by the time rosters are due Tuesday morning, the 26-year-old could be a candidate to start Game 4 against the Chicago Cubs (albeit on a pitch count).

"We want to make sure that he's 100 percent healthy," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "Then, if he shows that, OK, then you take it another couple steps. Is he commanding? Can he help you win? Can he pitch an inning? Can he pitch two? What role can he fill? Because of his side day the other day, it's progressed to the point now where I think we need to take a good, long look, because he looks pretty healthy. So that's what we'll do."

Before injuring his forearm, Salazar had enjoyed an impressive regular season, fashioning a 3.87 ERA (121 ERA+) with a 27.6 percent strikeout rate in 25 starts, while earning his first career All-Star appearance.