Carrasco to make Double-A rehab start

CLEVELAND — The Indians want Carlos Carrasco back in their rotation as soon as possible, even if the right-hander is not ready to handle a full start’s worth of pitches. The pitcher’s arm is not the issue, so Cleveland is mapping out how to possibly expedite his return from the disabled list.

On Friday, Indians manager Terry Francona noted that Carrasco — on the 15-day disabled list due to a left hamstring issue — is scheduled to work four innings (around 60 pitches) in a Minor League rehab assignment with Double-A Akron on Saturday. Francona added that Carrasco does not necessarily need to be built up to 100 pitches before being activated.

“I don’t think we need to do that,” Francona said. “I think we just need to make a decision at some point on when it helps us — even if it’s a little short — just to the point where it’s not a burden on the bullpen. We’ll think that through.”

The biggest hurdle for Carrasco, who strained his left hamstring while covering first base on April 24 in Detroit, continues to be running through fielding drills at a high intesity level. Over the past few weeks, he has gradually increased the volume and effort level in both agility drills and fielding workouts.

“The change of direction, when you don’t know where you’re going, [is …

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