Cleveland Indians smart to be cautious with Jason Kipnis

The Cleveland Indians shut down Jason Kipnis for a few weeks, which is in the best interest of both Kipnis and the Indians.

Just when Cleveland Indians fans began to feel good about Michael Brantley, there is another player to worry about.

Jason Kipnis had a late start to spring training, and may have a late start to the season.

Missing those two weeks likely means Kipnis won’t be ready for the start of the season, leaving several players fighting for that starting second baseman spot.

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But his absence at the beginning of the season should not be any cause for panic. While we have touched on the iffy injury timetables here on the site, this appears to be more precautionary than anything.

In fact, it may not even be a reported problem if it occurred during the season, according to Jordan Bastian.

Kipnis is understandably frustrated, but there is no reason for him to continue playing through soreness when two weeks off could remedy the problem before he gets back into playing full-time.

So on the surface, this is a smart, precautionary move. However, that is now. If two weeks turns into two more weeks, then there is a problem.

But it is impossible to say whether this problem could become major, as only Kipnis knows how his shoulder is feeling. Us fans won’t know until April is here and Kipnis either comes back or doesn’t.

Some fans may want to know more about his current status, but if he tells the team it isn’t that bad, and there is no structural damage, it is hard to decide upon how much rest he needs, or if he needs any at all.

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Kipnis may not think he needs two weeks off, but it certainly won’t hurt him in the long-term. Let’s just hope he comes back healthy and doesn’t turn into this year’s version of Michael Brantley. That is, if Brantley doesn’t repeat his 2016 season.