Stamets (hip) is starting at shortstop and batting ninth in Sunday's spring game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Stamets has been battling left hip tightness since Wednesday but his relatively quick return to action confirms it was a minor issue. According to Mandy Bell of MLB.com, the 27-year-old is expected to fill in at shortstop while the newly-signed Brad Miller steps in at second base with Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis heading to the injured list with calf strains.

Stamets (hip) is in line to break camp with the Indians, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Francisco Lindor (calf) and Jason Kipnis (calf) both expected to miss the start of the season, Stamets and Max Moroff look poised to open the season up the middle for the Indians, barring a late free agent signing. The 27-year-old Stamets spent all of 2018 with Triple-A Columbus, slashing .202/.272/.324 with five homers and five steals in 78 games. He figures to revert to a reserve role once Kipnis or Lindor returns.

Stamets (hip) could return Saturday against the Reds, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamets was removed from Wednesday's game due to left hip tightness, but the issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious. According to Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal, manager Terry Francona said Stamets could play Thursday if needed, but added that there's no reason to push the infielder.

Stamets was removed from Wednesday's spring game after experiencing left hip tightness, Mandy Bell of MLB.com. reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Indians are labeling his removal as precautionary. Stamets, who represents an insurance option at shortstop if Francisco Lindor (calf) is forced to open the season on the shelf, was 0-for-1 prior to exiting. He should be considered day-to-day.

Stamets was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Monday, T.J. Zuppe of The Athletic Cleveland reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamets hit a respectable .286/.355/.536 with two homers across 31 plate appearances for the Indians this spring, but he was always on the outside looking in at a roster spot with Giovanny Urshela and Erik Gonzalez both seen as preferred options for a utility role. He'll open the season back with the Clippers, where he hit a respectable .251/.324/.455 across 101 games last season. Stamets could make his debut at some point in 2018 if he excels in the minors.

Stamets was added to the Indians' 40-man roster on Monday to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

EDGE Analysis

A 26-year-old who has not yet played in the big leagues, Stamets isn't much of a prospect, but he is close to the majors and could possibly serve in a utility infield role. He hit .251/.324/.455 with 15 home runs and eight steals in 101 games at Triple-A last season. He will likely head back to the minors after spring training, but could make his debut at some point in 2018.