Report: LeBron James won’t waive no-trade clause this season
July 24, 2017Cavaliers to name Koby Altman as their new general manager
July 24, 2017Prior to this weekend’s sweep over the Toronto Blue Jays, the Cleveland Indians offense was struggling. Following the All-Star break, they scored just 16 runs on their six-game West Coast trip where they lost five of six games against two of the worst teams in MLB. A return back to Progressive Field was much needed, and they took advantage of it this past weekend. After struggling at home in the first half of the season, they won their first three games in the second half to pull to an even 24 games won and 24 games lost at home.
During Sunday’s game, the Indians STO broadcast reported important (and good) news as well: outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall and second baseman Jason Kipnis are aiming to be ready by August 1. Although prior to Friday’s game, manager Terry Francona mentioned that both were weeks — not days — away, it seems as though things have changed. Also, outfielder Austin Jackson is expected to be activated off the disabled list on Tuesday, according to SportsTime Ohio’s in-game reporter Andre Knott.
Austin Jackson will most likely be activated Tuesday. Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis are aiming to be ready by August 1, per @DreKnott.
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) July 23, 2017
Second on the team with 51 RBIs (was leading the team before injury), Chisenhall will be a much-needed addition to the Indians’ lineup. He was placed on the disabled list after suffering a calf strain in the final game prior to the break. While playing as a platoon left fielder, he is having the best season of his career. Chisenhall has a .305/.376/.578 slash line with 13 doubles, 12 home runs, and those 51 RBIs.
Although Kipnis has struggled at the plate all season, getting him back into the lineup could mean good things, especially if he turns it around after his dismal first half of the season. The second baseman suffered a hamstring strain on July 8. Before his injury, he had hit in three straight games, including four hits, all of which were doubles. Kipnis also had three walks in those three games.
Given the fact that he has struggled so much — both offensively and somewhat defensively — prior to the break, it will be interesting to see what Francona does with Kipnis once he is activated. Prior to his injury, he had just a .232/.292/.402 slash line with 19 doubles, eight home runs, and 26 RBIs. His struggles, paired with how well Giovanny Urshela and Erik Gonzalez have played defensively in his absence, could make things interesting once Kipnis is back, especially if his health is not 100 percent. If anything, Francona should move Kipnis down in the batting order.
Jackson may have only played in 37 games prior to straining his left quadriceps on June 25, due to being a platoon outfielder and only playing against left-handed pitchers, but he has made the most of his opportunity. This season, the 30-year-old has a .304/.383/.500 slash line with nine doubles, three home runs, and 15 RBIs. Over his last nine games (prior to injury), he dominated at the plate, with a .387/.486/.613 slash line with two doubles, one triple, one home run, and eight RBIs. Hopefully, when Jackson is activated, he is able to stay hot at the plate.
Having the Indians at 100 percent health is important, especially as the regular season inches closer and closer to October. Getting Chisenhall, Kipnis, and Jackson back into the lineup would be a major positive for the Indians moving forward.
2 Comments
Guyer hit well yesterday and Abe has been killing it too, but really looking forward to Chis coming back.
No so much Kipnis defense. Urshela is wonderful at third right now.
Saw a Mets scout at Eastlake game yesterday.