Jason Kipnis (ankle) feeling better, expects to play Game 1 vs. Cubs

— -- Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis said his sprained left ankle is improving and he "should be good" for Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.

"We're feeling good, we're progressing the way we had hoped," Kipnis said Monday. "Right now, we're just getting down the swelling, getting range of motion back, and if we can get it to where I can move around, doctors got stuff that can take pain away, so I'll be all right [Tuesday] night."

Indians manager Terry Francona also said on Monday he expected Kipnis to be ready to face the Chicago Cubs in the Series opener in Cleveland.

"He'll be fine,'' Francona said. "He's doing much better today. He might not be 100 percent -- I don't know who is. But I don't think it's going to get in the way.''

Kipnis injured his ankle last week while celebrating following the final out of the American League Championship Series in Toronto. He said the ankle has improved, but he also said it "isn't exactly a mild sprain. I got it pretty good.''

Kipnis got hurt when he jumped and shortstop Francisco Lindor accidentally stepped on his foot.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.