One of the most impressive facts about the Cleveland Indians closing in on first place in the AL Central is how they’ve been able play this well without one of their best players.
Outfielder Michael Brantley’s time with the Tribe has been abbreviated this season thanks to offseason shoulder surgery. Though it seemed as though he was miles ahead of his rehab during Spring Training, he wasn’t officially activated until April 25. It took him some time, but an early May series against the Detroit Tigers seemed to have Brantley swinging back into form.
Three games after the set against the Tigers, he found himself back on the DL. Brantley hasn’t played a game since May 9 thanks to inflammation in his recovering shoulder, and updates regarding his status have been few and far between.
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