Kipnis returns and Salazar starts for Tribe against Reds

Cleveland Indians vs. Cincinnati Reds

Thursday, March 26, 2015, 4:05 ET

TV: MLB.TV

Radio: MLB.com

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Yesterday, we saw Josh Tomlin lose virtually any chance he had to make the starting rotation, so Danny Salazar has a hell of an opportunity to make his case today. Thus far in the spring, he's put up a very Salazar-ian line, striking out nine but giving up three homers in 7 2/3 innings. We may just have to learn to deal with the longball. If the other peripherals hold, that makes Danny as good a 5th starter as you can ask for.

Again, no word on the other pitchers for today, but a whole bunch of guys were sent to the minors, so today's starting lineup looks pretty darn close to Opening Day quality:

Today's Indians starting lineup:

1. Michael Bourn, CF
2. Jason Kipnis, 2B
3. Murphy, DH
4. Carlos Santana, 1B
5. Brandon Moss, RF
6. Yan Gomes, C
7. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
8. Mike Aviles, LF
9. Jose Ramirez, SS

Kipnis returns! I hope he hasn't lost too much of his stride. If he's in regular season shape, this will be a good preview of what should be a really fun starting lineup (minus Michael Brantley, of course).