CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Second baseman Jason Kipnis, another player the Indians can ill-afford to lose, is in the gray area known as "day-to-day" because of soreness and stiffness on his right side.

Kipnis, hitting .279 with six homers and 11 RBI in 18 games since being summoned from Class AAA Columbus, did not start for the second straight game Sunday when the Tribe faced the Twins at Progressive Field. Kipnis, though, will not have DNP next to his name because the game does not exist.

With none out in the top of the third inning, play was halted because of rain. The Indians, behind two dominant innings from lefty David Huff and an RBI single from Shin-Soo Choo, led, 1-0. After a nearly three-hour delay, the game was postponed, all stats wiped out.

No makeup date has been announced. The game almost certainly will be rescheduled as part of a doubleheader when the Twins come to Cleveland for the final time, Sept. 23-25. On that homestand, the Indians already have a makeup as part of a doubleheader against the White Sox, Sept. 20. The Tribe was supposed to have an off-day Sept. 19, but it has been filled by a makeup against Seattle.

The Indians (60-57) won the first two games of the series against the Twins, meaning they swept Minnesota for the first time since Sept. 15-17, 2008, at Progressive Field.

The Tribe also picked up a half-game on the Tigers in the AL Central. During the rain delay, the Orioles beat Detroit, 8-5, in Baltimore. The Tigers (64-56) lead by 2 1/2.

Huff has been the embodiment of tough luck as an Indian this year. On July 23, he was scheduled to start against the White Sox and Edwin Jackson at Progressive Field. It was going to be his second appearance since being recalled from Class AAA Columbus on July 18. The start never happened because of rain, and the next day he was skipped in the rotation. Justin Masterson started against Jackson.

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On July 27, Huff was scheduled to start against the Angels and right-hander Ervin Santana at Progressive Field. That start happened, and Huff pitched well -- but Santana threw a no-hitter.

Huff is 1-1 with a 0.51 ERA in 17 2/3 innings of three starts with the Tribe.

Kipnis joins outfielder Michael Brantley as regulars who are day-to-day because of soreness somewhere. Brantley (right wrist) has not had a plate appearance since last Tuesday, when the Indians defeated the Tigers, 3-2, in 14 innings. He pinch-ran last Friday.

The Indians have an off-day Monday before beginning a three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox.

"Hopefully, by Tuesday, with all the rest we've given them, they should be ready to go," manager Manny Acta said of Kipnis and Brantley. "If not, we'll have to make a decision."

While all games are important, it would be especially painful for Kipnis to miss any part of the White Sox series. He was born in Northbrook, Ill., and graduated from Glenbrook North High School in 2005. He followed the Cubs and White Sox growing up.

At his locker early Sunday morning, Kipnis politely declined to say what is hurting. He likely was following orders, because the bosses typically frown on youngsters detailing injuries or ailments.

"I don't know the extent yet," he said. "I don't think it's serious. If it is anything serious, it will be out in public in due time."

Then he reiterated: He did not think it is serious.

"We're going to take the necessary steps," he said. "I anticipate being back soon. It's going to take a lot to keep me out of the lineup."

Later in the morning, presumably after getting clearance from above, Kipnis got more specific, saying the right side is stiff and sore. He has been receiving treatment.

Kipnis said he thinks the side issues began during the 14-inning victory over the Tigers. The next night, he managed to go 5-for-5 with one homer, three RBI and four runs in a victory.

Kipnis was slumping at the time of his promotion and continued to struggle in his first handful of games in Cleveland, but he largely has been on fire since. He has hit in 10 of his last 12 games, going 17-for-51 (.333) with six homers and 10 RBI.

Tribe manager Manny Acta nicknamed Kipnis "Dirtbag," for his hard-charging style and willingness to mess up the uniform. Fans have said, "We are all Kipnises."

Jason Donald replaced Kipnis in the lineup for the second day in a row Sunday. Donald went 2-for-4 with a triple and run Saturday in the Tribe's 3-1 victory over Minnesota.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd