Cleveland Indians place Jason Kipnis on 15-day DL, recall Jose Ramirez

The Cleveland Indians have placed second baseman Jason Kipnis on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Pitcher Michael Roth has been optioned to Triple-A. Jose Ramirez and Kyle Crockett have been recalled from Columbus to fill those spots on the roster.

Kipnis spent time at DH for a few days, then underwent an MRI on the shoulder Sunday morning, and sat out that afternoon's game. The results of his test must not have been encouraging.

Kipnis started the season slowly, then became one of the best players in baseball during May and June. For the season he is batting .326/.401/.477, and leads the American Leahue with 132 hits and 31 doubles. He has been the team's best player this season, and his presence will be missed.

Ramirez has been playing well Triple-A, after struggling as the Tribe's starting shortstop during the first couple months of the season. Francisco Lindor has a hold on the shortstop spot in the lineup now, but Ramirez will likely become the starter at second base while Kipnis is on the shelf, and should eventually become the team's utility player on the bench, filling the role Mike Aviles has been in for the last couple years. Aviles is just 3-for-39 in his last 12 games, dating back to July 9. He is not the ideal everyday replacement for Kipnis going forward.

Crockett give Francona a lefty in the bullpen, but has not looked good with the Indians or the Clippers so far this year.