Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley’s Return Still in Question
The Cleveland Indians have been without outfielder Michael Brantley for most of 2016 and his return may be coming later than initially expected.
The Cleveland Indians are in first place in the American League Central, and have reached that point without Michael Brantley for much of the 2016 season.
Brantley, who had offseason shoulder surgery, has only appeared in 11 games this season. He is once again on the 15-day disabled list, and there was never a definite return date for him after he went back on the DL on May 10.
He had began to do some light rehab, but that may have only been false hope for Indians fans.
Source: There is serious concern from Indians that Michael Brantley is going to miss a significant amount of time with his shoulder injury.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 6, 2016
This news looked grim for Indians fans, but Ken Rosenthal spoke with Cleveland Indians President Chris Antonetti and got a different response.
Antonetti responded, “Nothing really new. We are focused on working with Michael to help him get to the point where he’s not only healthy…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 6, 2016
“…but strong enough to make a meaningful impact on the balance of our season. We don’t have a clear timetable for that yet but are …
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 6, 2016
“…encouraged by progress he continues to make.” Keep in mind: Not in #Indians’ interest to admit concern. Would compromise trade leverage.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 6, 2016
Antonetti’s comments do not necessarily mean Brantley is going to return soon, as he answered in a rather political fashion. He never said Brantley is going to be out for an extended period, but he also never gave confirmation that he will return soon.
Whatever the case may be, it is clear that the Indians will be without Brantley until at least the All-Star break.
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Initially, it looks like the Indians need to go out and get some outfield help via a trade. The team just lost Marlon Byrd to a 162-game suspension for PEDs, and is still awaiting the return of Abraham Almonte from his 80-game PED suspension.
But the team being in first place shows that there is talent on the field, which is also true for the outfielders.
Rajai Davis, Jose Ramirez, Lonnie Chisenhall and rookie Tyler Naquin have been great assets to the lineup, and Almonte is only 24 games away from returning.
Ramirez has even made the jump from a utility player to an everyday player, leading the team with a .315 batting average this season. He may not be Michael Brantley, but he sure is helping to fill that void in the lineup.
That leaves the Indians with five solid outfielders, once Almonte’s suspension is over, without Brantley’s presence in the lineup. Almonte may even be the odd man out as none of the other four players have done anything to deserve a demotion, at least not yet.
Brantley is a great player who is an asset to any team, but only if he is fully healthy, as Antonetti said.
Next: Naquin Seizing Opportunity
The 2016 season is still in its early stages, but the Indians seemed to have things figured out on offense. The team’s plus-48 run differential is best in the AL Central, and second overall in the American League behind the Boston Red Sox.
With the majority of this success coming in Brantley’s absence, there should be no rush to get him back on the field until he is ready.