Kipnis expected to undergo season-ending surgery for fractured hand

Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis is expected to undergo surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand, the team announced Tuesday.

The typical four-to-six week recovery timetable noted by the club will rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Cleveland recalled utility player Andrew Velazquez in a corresponding move.

Kipnis, 32, felt discomfort in his wrist and hand on a swing during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. He underwent tests Monday that diagnosed the injury.

A second-round selection by Cleveland in 2009, Kipnis has spent his entire major-league career with the team. In 121 games this season, he's hitting .245/.304/.410 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs.

The two-time All-Star is in the final year of a six-year, $52.5-million contract with the Indians. The club holds a $16.5-million team option with a $2.5-million buyout for 2020.

If Kipnis has played his final game with Cleveland, he'll finish his tenure with a batting line of .261/.333/.417 with 123 home runs, 252 doubles, and 135 stolen bases in 1,121 games.