Cleveland Indians: Jason Kipnis To Miss The Start Of The Season
By Ryan Rosko
Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis won’t be in the lineup for a while.
One key way to maintain success to accomplish many goals, including winning the World Series is to have a healthy roster. The Cleveland Indians had their issues with that last postseason and is dealing with the same situation with Jason Kipnis at the moment.
Soon enough their current injury situation will be resolved and despite the setback are in a position to win it all later this year.a
Cleveland did not have a healthy Danny Salazar or Carlos Carrasco in the rotation in October. As we get closer to the start of the regular season, those players are set to be better than they ever been in 2017. Unfortunately, the injury bug has still impacted the Indians’ roster in spring training via Kipnis’ shoulder.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes, Kipnis will not be in the lineup for the next two weeks due to a strained rotator cuff.
More on Jason Kipnis: Francona says Kipnis will be shutdown for the next two weeks because of strained right rotator cuff.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) March 12, 2017
Looking at the calendar, that initially would put Kipnis’ availability in question for opening day. However, Hoynes also reported that Kipnis’ timetable will in fact force him to miss the start of the season.
Terry Francona says 2B Jason Kipnis will not be ready for opening day because of sore right shoulder.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) March 12, 2017
In the big picture, Kipnis will be fine. The good thing in postponing his involvement is that it hopefully prevents the injury from being a season-long concern for both Kipnis and the Tribe.
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In the meantime, as Cleveland looks to figure out their utility role and playing time in general at second, there are options. Not many players up for the utility role should be looked to as long-term starters if needed. That is assuming if Kipnis’ shoulder problem is a season-long issue.
Whether it is just a short-term problem or long-term adjustment, Cleveland’s lineup can be made up in a number of ways however thanks to third baseman Jose Ramirez and utilityman Yandy Diaz.
That said, with Kipnis’ injury, I expect Diaz to be considered even more to make the opening day roster. In addition, given both players’ versatility, manager Terry Francona will not be forced to stick a specific type of lineup.
Next: Salazar Looks Ready For 2017
Whether it’s Ramirez at second and Diaz at third or vice versa, Cleveland will be in good shape the rest of spring training and as needed in the regular season.