Jason Kipnis had his first home run of the year until Josh Reddick got in the way

It has not been an easy start to the year for Jason Kipnis.

The Cleveland Indians’ show-stopping second baseman had to fight through a shoulder injury that mostly kept him from exhibition games in spring training. That rehab then stretched into the regular season.

It wasn’t until April 21 that Kipnis even made his season debut with Cleveland. In three games so far he has just one hit in seven at-bats.

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But Tuesday was different. Tuesday he made his 2017 home debut against the Houston Astros. And in a game between two World Series contenders, it certainly felt like the stage was set for Kipnis to fiercely announce his return to the baseball world.

He nearly did it, too. Until Josh Reddick’s glove got in the way.

Stepping in against Dallas Keuchel in the fifth inning with the Indians down 3-1, Kipnis grabbed hold of a 3-2 slider and launched it straight to center. It had both the height and distance to get over the wall.

Unfortunately, so did Reddick, who threw himself up against the wall to haul Kipnis’ shot back into the park.

The frustration from Kipnis’ is completely understandable. Still, this wasn’t about what Kipnis can do — aside from squaring up that pitch a bit better. This is a ridiculous play from Reddick. That ball was destined to leave the stadium and the Astros’ outfielder literally went above and beyond to stop it from doing so.

Assuming he stays healthy, it’d be an absolute shock if Kipnis finishes the season without hitting a few home runs. Hopefully that helps him get over this robbery.

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Blake Schuster is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter! Follow @Schustee