When the scorching-hot Cleveland Indians activate Jason Kipnis from the DL, you might see him in center field rather than at second base.
The Cleveland Indians have won a staggering 19 consecutive games, one shy of the modern American League record set by the 2002 Oakland A’s. There hasn’t been much of anything to worry about over the last few weeks, but that doesn’t mean the Tribe is completely concern-free. An injury to rookie outfielder Bradley Zimmer means a lineup veteran could be moving somewhere else on the field.
According to Paul Hoynes of cleveland.com, the Indians are planning to try using second baseman Jason Kipnis in center field in the wake of the broken hand Zimmer suffered during Sunday’s game against the Orioles. Kipnis is nearing a return from his own injury, having been placed on the disabled list on Aug. 23 with a hamstring strain.
The outfield isn’t entirely new territory for the 30-year-old Kipnis. While he’s only played second base or served as DH during his seven-year major league career, Kipnis roamed the outfield grass as a minor leaguer until 2009 at the Class A level, per Hoynes. It was then he moved to the keystone position. It’s been a while, but he wouldn’t be jumping into a totally unfamiliar situation.
Kipnis himself sounds open and willing to do whatever the team asks him to upon his return. When the squad has won 19 straight contests, even a former All-Star doesn’t want to unnecessarily rock the boat. About the potential position swap, Kipnis said:
"“The main thing is just to get back and get healthy. I can’t do anything, or I can’t help anyone, if I don’t do that first. But once we get back, I mean, the competitor in me just likes to be on the field. If it means I have to be in center, I’ll be in center.”"
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Kipnis has struggled this year as he’s dealt with numerous injuries. He missed time at the start of the season with right rotator cuff inflammation, and he’s spent two stints on the DL due to hamstring trouble. In all, Kipnis has been limited to 79 games in which he’s slashed a meager .228/.285/.409 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI.
From 2012-2016, Kipnis hit .272/.346/.419 (109 OPS+) while averaging 14 homers and 67 RBI per campaign. Cleveland will hope that a return to health wakes up his bat for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs. Perhaps the move to the outfield might also give Kipnis a needed jolt if it goes smoothly.
Zimmer has experienced an up-and-down rookie season, slashing .241/.307/.385 with eight home runs and 39 RBI in 101 games. Since the beginning of August he’s hit just .143. He’ll be out the rest of the way, but the Tribe will expect an improved performance from the youngster in 2018.
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When Kipnis landed on the DL, Cleveland shifted MVP candidate Jose Ramirez to second base and put Giovanny Urshela at the hot corner. Yandy Diaz has also received opportunities at third recently: Since being called up on Aug. 22, he’s batting .339/.486/.464 in 18 games. The Indians will try to make history with 20 in a row tonight against the Tigers. Soon after, they could have Kipnis back in a new role.