Once again, the Indians are minus a significant team piece.

Second baseman Jason Kipnis is likely to miss opening day because of a sore right shoulder, an injury that could cause the AL champions to re-shape their infield for the start of this season.

Kipnis has been slowed by inflammation in his shoulder throughout training camp and the Indians are going to shut him down for two weeks to see how it responds.

Indians manager Terry Francona said Kipnis will "probably not" be ready when the Indians open the season on April 3 at Texas.