Jason Kipnis has to ‘keep it safe’ in his return to Cleveland with the Cubs, especially after 2 Indians pitchers broke COVID-19 protocols
Jason Kipnis joked about greeting his former Cleveland Indians teammates with a bull rush.
But “I’ve got to keep my distance and keep it safe,” Kipnis said in a conference call upon his return to the city where he spent nine seasons and became a two-time All-Star second baseman.
The importance of safety took on greater significance Tuesday night as Kipnis and the Chicago Cubs faced the Indians and emergency starter Adam Plutko, who took the spot of Mike Clevinger.
The Indians placed Clevinger and fellow pitcher Zach Plesac on the restricted list after they broke COVID-19 protocols Saturday night in Chicago following a game against the White Sox.
Manager Terry Francona, who returned after missing eight games because of a gastrointestinal issue, held a team meeting in front of the Indians dugout that lasted more than 20 minutes to remind players of following health and safety protocols.
Kipnis, 33, who signed with the Cubs in February, carefully chose his words when asked about the penalized players.
“Guys make mistakes,” Kipnis said. “It happens. If I were to guess, they’re probably not the only ones that have gone out. They’re probably two of them that have gotten caught. Around the league, it looks like it’s just happening. That’s how stuff started with St. Louis and Miami from the start of it.
“I don’t want to come down on them too much. I think you’re just seeing it takes an extra level of accountability and responsibility this year to hold strong and not give in to any urges to go out or fight the boredom. It’s not easy at all times. That’s about all I’ll say.”
Cubs manager David Ross didn’t elaborate much on Plesac and Clevinger, other than to say he was proud of his players’ responsibility.
“Things may seem real innocent as things are presented in the moment, but they’ve got great consequences in a year like this,” Ross said. “I don’t know that you always look at consequences. I don’t think my children, when they make mistakes, look at the consequences before they do something.
“We’ve got enough on our plate on a daily basis that I can’t really worry about how the rest of the league is doing. We have to hold true to what our guys are doing and take care of our group. We start policing everybody, that’s not my job. That’s not our place. It’s just another reminder of how well our guys are doing, and we have to continue to stay strong. It’s hard some days, hard with days off we just had.”
Ross said he supports a playoff “bubble,” as Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer suggested Monday, similar to what the NBA and NHL are doing, if it can ensure a complete season.
“We’re kind of in that atmosphere right now,” Ross said. “Whatever MLB thinks is best for the group so we can get the games in, that’s our main goal — to get this season in without any hiccups or as few as possible. I’m for whatever keeps the group safe and gets the games in.”
Kipnis and Ross also reminisced about their return to Progressive Field. Ross homered there in his final game as a player in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, and being in the visiting manager’s office stirred memories of Joe Maddon telling Ross what his role would be.
Kipnis found his way to the visitor’s clubhouse and discovered hallways he never knew existed.
The fond memories of his nine seasons in Cleveland, however, were spoiled when Anthony Rizzo pointed to places in the clubhouse where the Cubs celebrated their World Series win over Kipnis and the Indians.
“Thanks, buddy, I get it,” Kipnis said. “It’s years ago, but that game is not going to go away.”
Nor are Kipnis’ thoughts of Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco, who missed three months last season after being diagnosed with leukemia.
Despite his high-risk status, Carrasco elected to play this season and will face the Cubs on Wednesday night.
“I got to witness the (lousy) days,” Kipnis said. “There’s no other word to describe it where you see just an awful disease taking over somebody’s body.”
Kipnis recalled seeing Carrasco losing weight and energy only to battle and regain his strength. He said he reminds Carrasco, 33, to continue to take his medication.
In return, Kipnis hopes Carrasco will throw him a “friendship fastball.”
“The funny part is I think it’s going behind my head,” Kipnis joked. “He wants me to charge (the mound) so I can give him a hug. He can’t this year.
“He better give me (a first-pitch fastball). That’s all I’m going to say. If he strikes me out, he’s going to pay for it one way or another.”
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