Jason Kipnis gets trolled by Anthony Rizzo in return to Cleveland

Jason Kipnis has crossed over to enemy lines, but Anthony Rizzo won’t let him forget about the 2016 World Series

Kipnis signed with the Chicago Cubs this past offseason, and as the longtime Cleveland infielder returns to his old stomping grounds this week, first baseman and 2016 World Series champion Rizzo got in a friendly jab at his new teammate’s expense. Well, several jabs, actually.

Rizzo and the Cubs, of course, defeated Kipnis’ Indians in seven games back in 2016, the final of which was held at Progressive Field. Because of this, the Cubs were able to celebrate in Kipnis’ home park, and apparently took the festivities around the ballpark shortly thereafter.

Kipnis providing valuable experience to the Cubs in 2020

The 33-year-old has only played in six games for the Cubs this year, but in a shortened season, every at-bat is valuable. Kipnis is batting .375 in 18 plate appearances, with two home runs and four RBIs. Those modest numbers are further proof that Kipnis is no longer an everyday player at this stage of his career, and is far better in small doses. His batting average the past three seasons has never topped .245.

Nico Hoerner has performed admirably for the Cubs at second base, which has taken potential at-bats away from Kipnis as they aim to find a full-time replacement for Addison Russell, who was jettisoned after domestic violence allegations. Kipnis does have some outfield experience dating back to his college days, but that’s an experiment the Cubs may not want to partake in.

The longtime Cleveland Indian made two AL All-Star teams in The Land, and helped lead the Tribe to the postseason in 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018. While he came just one game short against Rizzo’s Cubs in 2016, Kipnis hopes to end Chicago’s current World Series drought at just four years, tops.