The Cleveland Indians will not be with All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis for around two weeks after he was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a right shoulder inflammation.
Kipnis was not in the lineup Sunday as he went through a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and headed back to Cleveland Monday to have his shoulder examined.
The injury is a roadblock for Kipnis who is having a great 2014–15 season leading the American League (AL) with 132 hits while batting .326, tallying six triples, 31 doubles, six home runs, 39 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, and 66 runs in 101 games played.
Indians manager Terry Francona believes Kipnis will only spend a short time on the disabled list. He added that it will give the 28-year-old baseman a chance to be a complete player and not just a designated hitter.
Meanwhile, Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said, according to MLB.com, "It's something that's lingered for a little while. We just thought it made sense at this point to place him on the DL and give him the time he needs to get back at full strength."
He added, "We're hopeful that he won't be out too long and he'll come back quickly and at full strength."
Antonetti also said they are not expecting Kipnis to go through surgery because of the shoulder injury.
Taking Kipnis' roster spot is infielder Jose Ramirez who was recalled by Cleveland from Triple-A Columbus.
Along with Ramirez, the Indians also recalled left-handed pitcher Kyle Crockett from Triple-A and sent pitcher Michael Roth to the minors.
The 22-year-old Ramirez is again returning to the Indians after opening the season as the club's shortstop until he was demoted to the minors nearly two months ago.
Cleveland is at 49–57 and is on the fifth spot in the AL Central, currently facing the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game road series.
