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Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis to miss Opening Day

By Joshua Sadlock

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs in the 9th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs in the 9th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis of the Cleveland Indians will not be ready for Opening Day as he deals with a shoulder injury.

According to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, Jason Kipnis will not be ready for Opening Day. The 29-year-old, two-time All-Star at second base for the Cleveland Indians has been dealing with a strained rotator cuff. Kipnis received a cortisone shot in February, but the shoulder has not responded well after he played in back-to-back exhibition games last week.

"“He could certainly DH today,” said Francona. “He could actually go play second, but because there are times when he’s still feeling this thing (shoulder), the medical people and Kipnis have met and the determination was that we’re going to keep him down for a couple of weeks."

Kipnis is coming off one of the best years of his career. He batted .275/.343/.469 with 41 doubles and a career-high 23 home runs. Kipnis also hit four more home runs in the playoffs, including two more in the World Series. Being put on the shelf now for two weeks almost guarantees he will start the year on the disabled list. He will not begin baseball activities until a few days before Opening Day, barring setbacks.

More from Cleveland manager Terry Francona:

"“Hopefully, after these two weeks they completely knock it out, which would be great. That’s why they’re doing it. And then they can let him ramp up and if he’s healthy he can ramp up quickly. But that’s probably a stretch right now.”"

Losing Kipnis for an extended period of time would be a major blow to the Tribe’s hopes of winning the World Series. This appears to be more of a precautionary measure to ensure that the shoulder is not bothering him later in the season. Sitting now, rather than pushing it and causing further damage, will keep Kipnis on the field in September and October when it matters most.

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Until Kipnis returns, the Indians will roll with some combination of Michael Martinez, Jose Ramirez, and Giovanny Urshela at second and third. Ramirez was one of the team’s most consistent hitters last year, and is expected to have a major role in carrying the offense again this year. Martinez is a quality veteran utility player. The Indians have high hopes for 2017, and this minor injury to their second baseman will not derail their shot at a title.

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