The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Kipnis eager for a strong finish
From every vantage point — every vantage point but one — this has been a season to forget for Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis.
A shoulder injury suffered early in spring training limited Kipnis to two Cactus League games and forced the Indians to place him on the disabled list to start the season. He missed the first 16 games and when he did return his swing was off; he played in eight games in April, batted 31 times and drove in one run while hitting .161 for the month.
Now, after playing in 66 games, Kipnis is on the DL again. He was shelved on July 9 with a hamstring injury. He is hitting .232 with eight home runs, 26 RBI and 32 runs scored — well below the pace he set last year when he played in 156 games, hit .275, belted 23 home runs and knocked in 82 runs. He scored 91 runs.
Kipnis was on the infield on July 25 before the Indians played the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. He was running the bases, fielding grounders and turning double plays. He is getting better with each passing day.
Manager Terry Francona expects Kipnis to play in a rehab game this weekend. Kip’s return to the lineup won’t be far
“I might not be having the season I want personally, but the team is still doing well. The team is in first place.”
— Jason Kipnis