Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis was hit by a pitch on his left hand during a rehab outing tonight, as Jordan Bastian of MLB.com tweets. He’s expected to sit out at least one contest, though at this point there’s no indication that he has suffered a significant injury. Cleveland is no doubt looking forward to the return of Kipnis, who is working back from a shoulder injury. As Bastian writes, the club’s bats have stalled in the early going.
More from the American League Central…
- Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez has begun taking batting practice and could be activated from the disabled list by early May, writes Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press. Manager Brad Ausmus tells Fenech that Martinez is “slightly ahead of schedule,” though he declined to get into any specifics about the length or location of a potential rehab assignment for the slugger. Martinez has been on the shelf since Opening Day due to a Lisfranc injusry in his left foot, and in his absence, the Tigers have utilized Tyler Collins and Mikie Mahtook in right field while young JaCoby Jones in center field.
- Former outfielder Anthony Gose, who is converting to the mound, has begun facing hitters in extended Spring Training, tweets Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus got positive reports on Gose’s curveball in particular. At the time he was drafted, Gose was considered a two-way prospect, as Baseball America noted in its draft report on him that he featured a “blistering fastball” that peaked at 97 mph. While many liked him better as a pitcher, Gose had some shoulder troubles prior to the draft that prompted the move to the outfield.
- White Sox lefty Carlos Rodon is progressing in his recovery from biceps bursitis, as Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune writes. Though Rodon has yet to take the mound while he works back to strength, manager Rick Renteria says he’s “moving along positively” and is continuing to work through a throwing program. While the Sox would no doubt love to see the young southpaw working to take the next steps in his development at the major league level, the rebuilding club is obviously taking a conservative course in bringing him back to full speed.
Always seems understated when a guy switches from position player to pitcher, or vice versa, in the bigs. Remarkable talent. Good luck to AG.
Pretty crazy that 97 left handed with positive reviews on the curve got converted to an outfielder.
He was moved to the outfield because of injury. Agreed though, they could’ve just taken their time bringing him back.
Testing
Bursitis is not serious & usually requires just 2-3 wks down time. With Rodon needing 6 it sounds like there was an infection that had to be removed. Healthy bursae grow back in 2-3 wks and then it takes about 3 wks of strength & conditiioning to be able to throw in the 90’s again. I think it’s somewhat retroactive so he might return in April still.
In terms of Hahn’s grand scheme of dealing vets for prospects it’s working well with Garcia, Davidson, Robertson, & Abreu but no so much with Melky, Frazier, & Jones. They need to do better. I almost want them to win 10 or less in May to keep Kenny down but I also believe you can’t waste a good bullpen & the White Sox have a league leading one right now. Like many fans then, I’m beside myself.