Indians' Jason Kipnis out with stiff neck

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Indians All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis is out of the lineup because of a stiff neck.

Indians manager Terry Francona said Kipnis' neck has been bothering him for a couple of days. Kipnis is 4 for 17 in his career against left-hander Chris Sale, who is starting Saturday's game for the Chicago White Sox.

Francona said Kipnis is available to pinch hit and expects him to play Sunday in the finale of the three-game series.

Kipnis, the Indians' leadoff hitter, is batting .324 with six homers, 38 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 94 games. Mike Aviles is batting first and playing second base Saturday.