Jason Kipnis is back, and not a moment too soon. The rookie 2B, out of the lineup and on the DL since August 14, will bat sixth against Detroit starter Rick Porcello.

Kipnis’ bat has been sorely missed since he went down, with the Indians basically treading water, playing .500 ball (10-10) and scoring 3.75 runs per game.

After a listless 4-2 loss to the Tigers on Monday, the Tribe is 7.5 games back and needs to win the series to build any kind of momentum in hopes of a miracle in the Central Division.

Kipnis was batting .279 with 6 HR and a .950 OPS in 68 AB before his DL stint. Luis Valbuena will also join the team today from Columbus as a September call-up.