The hits keep coming for the Cleveland Indians.
And not the good kind.
Two days after the team announced that Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis will each miss Thursday's season opener with injuries, another All-Star infielder's status seems to be in doubt. On Sunday, third baseman Jose Ramirez left the third inning of Cleveland's Spring Training matchup against the Chicago White Sox after fouling a pitch off his left leg.
Ramirez, who was carted off the field after laying on the ground for several minutes, has officially been diagnosed with a left knee contusion. He will undergo an X-ray.
Any potential absence of Ramirez would be a significant one, given the 2-time All-Star's place in the heart of the Indians' lineup. An American League MVP finalist in each of the past two seasons, Ramirez started his second straight All-Star game in 2018, amassing a .270 batting average to go along with career highs of 39 home runs and 105 runs batted in.
Although Lindor -- who is still recovering from a calf strain suffered prior to the start of Spring Training -- isn't expected to miss much time after beginning the upcoming season on the 10-day Injured List, his absence in Cleveland will only be compounded by any time missed by his fellow All-Star infielder.
Without Lindor and Kipnis -- who suffered a mild calf strain of his own earlier this week -- this Indians are expected to start Eric Stamets and newly signed Brad Miller at shortstop and second base, respectively, when they open the 2019 season against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Thursday.
Should Ramirez also be unable to play, utility infielder Max Moroff could be in line to get the start at third base.
