GOODYEAR, Ariz. _ The Indians' Opening Day middle infield continues to receive bad news.
Manager Terry Francona on Friday announced that star shortstop Francisco Lindor will open the season on the injured list after all. Lindor has been rehabbing from a strained calf he sustained just prior to camp. The original timetable for his return extended into mid-April.
Lindor returning for Opening Day was certainly a goal, but the Indians don't want to push it and risk aggravating the situation further.
Francona also announced that second baseman Jason Kipnis has been diagnosed with a low-grade calf strain and will have no baseball activities for 7-to-10 days, putting his Opening Day status in serious jeopardy as well.
The Indians can back-date the injured list stints to March 25, meaning Lindor could return April 4.
Bradley Zimmer will also be starting the season on the injured list, but his progress from shoulder surgery has gone well thus far.
