There are a few reasons for such a meeting. For starters, Kipnis and Brantley are both leaders in the clubhouse -- not just on the field. Francona will want their input before making a decision that impacts not only them, but others in the lineup. Besides that, both Kipnis and Brantley have hit high in the order for much of their careers.
When Brantley was sidelined in 2016, Francona used Kipnis in the No. 2 spot, with Carlos Santana leading off and Francisco Lindor hitting third. Now that Brantley is back, he has been back in his usual No.