The Cleveland Indians are getting healthier in the middle of their infield as second baseman Jason Kipnis was activated from the disabled list and shortstop Francisco Lindor was cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment Monday.
Kipnis, a two-time All-Star, has not played this season because of a right calf strain. The career .263 hitter batted a disappointing .230 over 147 games last season, although he did deliver 18 home runs and 75 RBIs.
Lindor, who has a right calf strain and left ankle sprain, also has not played this season. He will head to Triple-A Columbus for a rehab assignment after working out with the Indians at Kansas City this past weekend.
Lindor is a career .288 hitter who delivered career bests with 38 home runs and 92 RBIs last season. The three-time All-Star finished second in the rookie-of-the-year voting in 2015.
The three-time defending American League Central champions were swept in three games this past weekend by the previously struggling Royals. With an 8-7 record at the start of play Monday, the Indians were tied for second in the AL Central, 1 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins.
