Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley took part part in batting practice with the team for the first time this spring after having shoulder surgery in the offseason. Brantley has been making steady progress in his recovery, but he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.
Brantley has been able to resume hitting and the outfielder was able to take cage batting practice earlier this week. Brantley had surgery on his shoulder in November after suffering a torn labrum last season. Even if the outfielder starts the season on the disabled list, he should be able to return by the end of April. Brantley said earlier this spring that he wanted to try and play on Opening Day, but that may be too soon for a return.
"I just want to be careful. He's done so well. He's so far ahead of where most people would be. A lot of that is attributable to how he's going about it," said manager Terry Francona
Francona said that the team will not rush Brantley back, but that they would like to get the outfielder in some games during spring training. The manager added that Brantley could return sooner than expected, but did not put an official timetable on when he will play.
"When he's ready to play, we'll play him," Francona said. "We're not going to hold him back, but we're not going to shortcut it."
Brantley is a key player for the Indians, and he made the All-Star team in 2015, hitting .310 with 15 home runs and 84 RBI last season. Brantley also led the majors in doubles. The Indians have high expectations for Brantley and the team overall this season. The team brought in Tommy Hunter and Juan Uribe this offseason and Francona said earlier in the spring that the playoffs were a real possibility for Cleveland this year. Getting Brantley back healthy will only help that cause.
The Indians rotation has the chance to be formidable this season with former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber at the top. The team has Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin as the potential starting five and that gives the team some major depth on the mound. Carrasco has already started off the spring strong with five scoreless innings, including three against the Brewers on Thursday.
