Injuries beginning to pile up at Cleveland Indians camp

Injuries are beginning to pile up fast in Goodyear, as the Cleveland Indians have seen several key pieces be sidelined with minor injuries this spring. While they have not experienced a season-changing loss like the Texas Rangers (Yu Darvish) or Toronto Blue Jays (Marcus Stroman), the Tribe has certainly seen some injuries that could alter the landscape of spring training competition.

Kyle Crockett (hamstring)

Competing for a spot in the Indians’ bullpen, Kyle Crockett exited Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning due to right hamstring tightness. After the game, manager Terry Francona said:

"He just had a tight hammy. He really wanted to stay in, but I didn’t think that made a whole lot of sense. He’s just tight. There’s nothing that’s [serious], but he looked like he was altering his delivery a little bit. We don’t need him to do that."

Crockett has posted a 4.50 ERA in three appearances for the Tribe this spring. He was 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA over 43 appearances out of the pen last season.

Mike Aviles (elbow)

After missing a week with a sore right elbow, Mike Aviles returned to the Indians lineup on Saturday. He played third base and went 1-for-3 out of the two-hole. The injury was never thought to be anything serious, as Francona originally called it “normal arm soreness.”

Jason Kipnis (back)

Jason Kipnis was scratched from Thursday night’s lineup due to back spasms in the middle of his back. According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, he is expected to remain out through the weekend and could return for some minor league action next week. While it is not particularly worrying news just yet, Cleveland is expecting a bounce-back season from Kipnis, who struggled for most of 2014 – after dealing with an injury early in the season.

Gavin Floyd (elbow)

The Indians provided an update on injured pitcher Gavin Floyd:, according to T.J. Zupper of 92.3 The Fan:

It seems increasing safe to assume Floyd will not pitch at all for Cleveland this season.

Zach Walters (oblique)

Originally a candidate to make the Indians’ Opening Day roster, super-utility man Zach Walters was diagnosed with a high grade right oblique strain early last week. He is expected to begin the season on the disabled list and will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks. Keep in mind, though, this is a similar injury to the one Kipnis suffered last season – and he was never himself in 2014.

Ryan Raburn (knee)

While it is not expected to be a serious problem, veteran outfielder Ryan Raburn had his surgically repaired knee drained last week. He was bothered by a number of injuries last season, including his knee, and batted just .200 with four home runs. He was limited to 195 at-bats on the season but expects to put himself back on the baseball map this season.

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