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The Cleveland Indians will be without their star second baseman for a handful of spring training games. Jason Kipnis received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder to help with a strained rotator cuff, according to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, and now he’s going to sit for the better part of a week while it heals.
Francona: Kipnis dealing with cuff strain in right shoulder. Received cortisone shot. Shut down from throwing for 4-5 days.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 26, 2017
The Indians followed up shortly after with a tweet, saying that Tito thinks he’ll “raring to go” once he gets back.
From Tito: Kip has a rotator cuff strain; had a cortisone shot yesterday and won't throw for 4-5 days, then be "raring to go." #TribeSpring pic.twitter.com/dAxNnZTfaV
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) February 26, 2017
An injury such as this is not one to be concerned about. No, this is not another Michael Brantley and you should probably stop comparing everything to Michael Brantley before you go insane. I spoke with doctor of physical therapy and injury analyst for Indians Baseball Insider, Brandon Bowers, about the injury and he echoed the same calm sentiment as the Indians:
I'm not concerned. Rotator cuff strain is a pulled muscle. Cortisone injection used to reduced pain and inflammation. Rest and rehab right now, not worried about surgery at this point in time.
Going by the Indians’ own timetable, Kipnis could be back as early as Thursday to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team take as much caution as possible — no sense in rushing anything to win a game in early March.