The desire of Terry Francona to use top hitters Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis as designated hitters upon their return to the Indians has created a dilemma.
Brantley and Kipnis, both of whom have been sidelined with shoulder issues, should be ready to roll Monday in Boston. But only one, of course, can DH. That could result in Kipnis being pushed back to Tuesday, per MLB.com.
The former received a cortisone shot Friday and joined the club in Minneapolis on Saturday. Kipnis is eligible to come off the disabled list Monday.
"I don't even know if we'd activate [Kipnis] or not [Monday]," Francona said. "It's going to be close. He certainly can be activated, but he's not ready to play second. ... I think Kip's kind of chomping at the bit, which I don't blame him."