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Report: Kipnis expected to play 2B with Indians in 2018

Ron Schwane / Getty Images Sport / Getty

After moving to center field to fill a hole left by the injured Bradley Zimmer during the Cleveland Indians' postseason run, Jason Kipnis is expected to shift back to his natural position of second base, according to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com.

With Jose Ramirez able to play second base and Giovanny Urshela considered a great defender at third, Kipnis was the odd man out and was shifted to the outfield. However, heading into the 2018 campaign, Ramirez will return to third base with Kipnis taking his old role back while removing Urshela's below-average bat from the lineup.

Even further, the report seems to remove Kipnis' name from the rumor mill as the 30-year-old was mentioned as a possible option for the New York Mets via trade. Now, though, with Opening Day 82 days away, that option seems to be entirely off the table, if it was ever actually on it.

In 90 games last year, dealing with a hamstring injury throughout the season, Kipnis posted a .232/.291/.414 slash line with 12 home runs and six stolen bases. He's spent his entire seven-year career with the Indians and is under team control through the 2020 season.

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