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Indians' Jason Kipnis still sidelined 4-5 more weeks

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis is still four to five weeks away from playing in a game as he deals with shoulder inflammation, adding to the team's injury woes.

Kipnis received a second opinion on his shoulder and has been cleared to resume a strengthening program in a week.

Meanwhile, Indians right-hander Cody Anderson will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery and miss the 2017 season.

The AL champions said Sunday that Anderson, 26, has elected to have the operation after being diagnosed with a ligament sprain. He made nine starts for Cleveland last season and was expected to begin this year at Triple-A Buffalo. His loss hurts Cleveland's pitching depth.

Outfielder Michael Brantley is expected to make his exhibition debut on Monday when the Indians host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Brantley played in only 11 games last year following right shoulder surgery and has been easing his way back in training camp.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.