Jays-Indians preview

The Jays are in Cleveland Friday to start a three-game set. Here are three things to know about the Cleveland Indians:

REMEMBER HIM?

Yan Gomes, who was drafted by the Blue Jays and made his debut with the club in 2012 as the first Brazilianborn player to play in the majors, signed a six-year contract extension on the eve of the season that will pay him $23 million (U.S.) over the next six years.

Gomes, who was traded to Cleveland with Mike Aviles for pitcher Esmil Rogers before last season, enjoyed a breakout 2013 campaign, hitting .294 with a .345 OBP. This year he has picked up right where he left off, hitting .293 with a .362 OBP through 13 games.

CAN-CON

John Axford, a native of Port Dover, Ont., signed with Cleveland this off-season on a one-year, $4.5 million contract after spending most of the previous five years with Milwaukee.

The hard-throwing closer, who earned the most saves in the majors in 2011, has five so far this season, which is tied for tops in the league.

STRUGGLING

Justin Masterson, who failed to reach an agreement with the Indians on a contract extension and could become a trade candidate if Cleveland falls out of contention, threw a gem on opening day but has struggled in his last two outings and failed to pitch into the sixth inning. Brendan Kennedy