CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians, trying to protect their standing in the AL Central, have dipped into their backyard once again.

They called up second baseman Jason Kipnis, one of their top prospects, from Class AAA Columbus on Thursday. Luis Valbuena was optioned to Columbus and Jared Goedert was designated for assignment to make room for Kipnis on the 40-man roster.

Kipnis, a left-handed hitter, is expected to share second base with veteran Orlando Cabrera. The former Arizona State center fielder is not expected to play the outfield unless something unforeseen happens.

Outfielders Michael Brantley (heat exhaustion) and Travis Buck (hit in head with pitch) are expected to be available tonight against Chicago at Progressive Field.

Here's a report on Kipnis from a scout outside the Indians organization: "Above average line-drive bat, below average power. An onbase percentage guy. Close to average on defense. Is improving on turning two. Plays hard."

Kipnis, 24, hit .279 (95-341) with 64 runs, 15 doubles, nine triples, 12 homers, 55 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 91 games at Columbus. He led the International League in triples and was second in runs. He's hitting .316 (52-for-95) with runners in scoring position.

This season he was the starting second baseman at the Class AAA All-Star game. He homered in the Futures Game during MLB's All-Star festivities in Phoenix.

Kipnis will wear No. 22 with the Indians.

The Indians drafted Kipnis in the second round in 2009 out of ASU and moved him to second base. He's spent the last two years making the switch.

"Jason's athleticism is serving him well in his transition from the outfield to second base," said Ross Atkins, Indians director of player development. "As he gains experience, he has the potential to be an above average defender. As all players, he must continue to develop at the major league level."

Valbuena has hit .136 (3-22) with a runs scored in eight games over two tours with the Indians. He was forced to play left field Tuesday and Wednesday night against the Twins because of injury and illness to Buck and Brantley. To put it mildly, things did not go well.

This is the second time this season that the Indians have tried to match one of their prospects with Cabrera at second base. Cord Phelps, a switch-hitter, got the first chance, but was optioned to Columbus after hitting .196 (9-for-46) and making five errors in 16 games.