The American League champion Cleveland Indians will open defense of their title without standout second baseman Jason Kipnis.
Kipnis is expected to be placed on the 15-day disabled list prior to the season opener after receiving a second opinion on his sore right shoulder over the weekend. The consensus between Dr. Keith Meister and Indians' medical staff is that Kipnis should rest for a week, then begin light throwing and hitting, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.