Michael Brantley leaves game after blow to the head

Michael Brantley was forced to leave the Cleveland Indians’ game against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night after he took a knee to the head while sliding into second base.

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Zack Meisel of the Cleveland.com reports the following:

"Michael Brantley departed Monday’s game against the Angels for precautionary reasons after he received a blow to the head while sliding into second base……Brantley slid into the bag in an attempt to break up a double play in the third inning. He collided with Angels shortstop John McDonald and appeared to have dinged his head."

Brantley has quietly been one of the best players in the American League so far in 2014. Through 68 games he is batting .322/.390/.519 with 11 home runs and 45 RBI. He was awarded American League player of the week this past week as well. Coming off a solid 2013 season, Brantley is leaving little doubt that he was worthy of the four-year, $25 million extension he signed this off-season.

As for his team, the Indians have continued to rise up the standings, with their record one game over .500 after a 4-3 victory over the Angels on Monday. Now they will hope for good news with the status of Brantley.

While the team says that the move is precautionary, they will of course have to go through concussion protocol with Brantley before they can sign off on him playing in any games this week. Given the troubles that some players have had with concussions sustained on similar plays in recent years, here’s hoping that Cleveland is right that there is nothing to worry about with Brantley.