Cleveland Indians: Jason Kipnis could be headed to the DL

Indians’ Ramirez promoted, Kipnis to DL?

When the Cleveland Indians’ Jason Kipnis was slotted in as the designated hitter yesterday, Terry Francona said it was due to a sore right shoulder, but nothing serious. My, how that escalated quickly. After it appeared that maybe the long season was simply wearing on Kipnis–who has been the Indians’ hottest hitter all season–an MRI left the Tribe a bit more concerned.

I think many have accepted the youth movement, but this wasn’t necessarily the way they wanted to see the team get younger. Even while going 1-for-12 against the Oakland A’s, Kipnis is still hitting .326 this season after being the lone Indians’ representative in the All-Star Game.

This trade deadline didn’t indicate a rebuild, but the previous call-ups this season of top prospects, as well as the moves the team made, indicate at the least a “restructuring” of sorts. They even went as far to shop Carlos Carrasco to see what value he held. While nothing came of it, it indicated the team realizes they might have to sacrifice some of their quality in pitching to bring in some offense. 

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The Indians have locked up several key pieces to build around, including Kipnis, Michael Brantley, Yan Gomes and Corey Kluber. They have several other quality pieces in the rotation, but a few bad free agent signings have left very little wiggle room financially. This mans there can’t be much change without trade–or low-budget additions that won’t necessarily be the impact players on offense they need.

The return of Lonnie Chisenhall and now Jose Ramirez isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as both are young enough to turn things around after their struggles led them to be sent down earlier in the year. But it’s also an indication as to the state of this team as they are trying to keep things together in the second half of this season.

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