Cleveland Indians: Lonnie Chisenhall’s status will be clear after tonight

The Cleveland Indians return home Tuesday and may see Lonnie Chisenhall return to the team after missing the first six games.

The Cleveland Indians got off to an exciting start to the season, and did so without two starters.

Both Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall have begun the 2017 season on the disabled list, and both have recently played in some minor league games.

Kipnis began his rehab stint in Akron, while Chisenhall has been playing in Columbus, and is in tonight’s starting lineup.

Things went well for Chisenhall on Saturday when he went 4-4, which was brought up in an article written by Jordan Bastian of Indians.com regarding Chisenhall’s eventual return to the Indians.

Bastian explains how the Indians will evaluate Chisenhall after tonight’s game, with the hope of having him back in Cleveland for Tuesday’s home opener.

It is possible that he will be given another day or two of rehab, but there is no need to do that if he gets through tonight’s game without any problems. A 4-for-4 game at the plate on Saturday seemed to show he is doing just fine.

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Bringing him back for Tuesday’s game likely means Abraham Almonte is sent down to Columbus, although that is expected after he only made the club after Chisenhall was put on the DL to open the season. It is not exactly a demotion, but rather a necessary move.

Almonte has had a solid start to the season, going 2-for-8 with two RBI and four walks. This move allows Terry Francona to get a good look at both Tyler Naquin and Austin Jackson, who could be replaced by Almonte later in the year if either struggles.

Chisenhall was alway supposed to be on the Opening Day roster, so an early roster move is no surprise. He just needs to prove that he once again deserves a permanent spot, as the depth is there if it needs to be used.

Next: Kipnis on the comeback trail

Given Chisenhall gets through tonight’s game without any problems, it would be a surprise if he wasn’t back for tomorrow’s game and celebration in Cleveland.