CLEVELAND — Jason Kipnis is back at the top of Cleveland's lineup.
The second baseman was activated from the disabled list on Sunday after being sidelined since before the All-Star break with a strained right hamstring. The former All-Star is leading off in the series finale against the New York Yankees.
Kipnis got hurt while running the bases on July 8 against Detroit. He's batting .232 with eight homers and 26 RBIs in 66 games.
To make room for Kipnis, the club optioned infielder Erik Gonzalez to Triple-A Columbus.
Despite missing one of their top players and leaders, the Indians maintained their lead in the AL Central without Kipnis, who began the season on the DL with a shoulder injury.