Jason Kipnis could join Cleveland Indians Monday in Chicago

The Cleveland Indians have made a number of changes to their roster in the last week or so as they try to jump-start what has been a disappointing 2014 season thus far. One move that they surely cannot wait to add to that list is the activation of second baseman Jason Kipnis off the disabled list.

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According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Kipnis could join the Indians on Monday in Chicago after a three game rehab assignment this weekend:

"The goal, if everything goes right, is to have Kipnis available when the Indians open a three-game series against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on Monday.”"

Manager Terry Francona also said that the Indians will not necessarily use Kipnis as an everyday player right away. While that kind of caution sounds smart in principle, especially when it comes to an oblique injury, it might be easier said than done for Francona to stay away from one of his best players if Kipnis says he’s feeling up to it once he returns.

The Indians need to find a spark somehow. Whether it comes from Kipnis or from one of the other players whom they brought on in recent days, they need things to turn around in a hurry if they want to avoid getting buried in the NL Central. They will hope that the return of Kipnis is one step in the right direction.