Cleveland Indians give update on Jason Kipnis’ status

The Cleveland Indians gave updates on several players, including a new timetable for Jason Kipnis’ return to major league action.

We have written about how the Cleveland Indians sometimes offer questionable injury timetables, but the team gave fans a clear figure regarding Jason Kipnis with a tweet sent out Sunday afternoon.

The good news from that tweet is the news regarding Michael Brantley. The story heading into the preseason was his status, although it appears he is back and ready to go.

The focus is now on Kipnis, who is out for at least a month, according to the tweet. His absence opens up a spot in the infield for several players, ranging from Michael Martinez, to Erik Gonzalez, to even the famous Yandy Diaz.

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Given the month absence doesn’t turn into several months, this shouldn’t affect the team too much in 2017. No one wants to see Kipnis miss significant time, but a week or two at the beginning of the season isn’t bad. That is, as long as he isn’t dealing with any lingering injury problems when he comes back.

It also gives a younger player a chance to gain some major league experience, which can help the team’s depth in case of any further injuries.

The team also offered another update, which is bad news for Cody Anderson.

The young pitcher is now out of the team’s plans in 2017, and maybe even 2018 depending on his recovery and if there are any setbacks. He was not expected to be a major contributor for the Indians this season, but it is hard to see someone miss a year of their career.

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The best news from these two updates is that about Brantley, but these other early injuries are a bit frustrating for Indians fans. We all know it is part of the game, but being at full strength will be key to a World Series run. Hopefully, others can step up and fill some big shoes, just as Indians fans witnessed several players do in 2016.