The Cleveland Indians will not be at full strength when they open the season Thursday in Minnesota against the Twins.
All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor finds himself on the Injured List as a result of a calf strain he suffered in early February. Lindor has been given plenty of time to return to health, and he is extremely close to being back in the lineup.
Manager Terry Francona simply doesn't want to take a chance with one of the game's brightest stars.
"I think, like most players, he had Opening Day as that marker, which I respect," Francona said, per Mandy Bell of MLB.