Cleveland Indians OF Michael Brantley to the DL, Again

It sure has been a frustrating season thus far for the Cleveland Indians’ Michael Brantley. He finds himself heading to the disabled list again.

Cleveland Indians’ Michael Brantley started the season on the DL, and not long after coming off it, he finds himself heading to the disabled list again. This is all related to a Brantley’s right shoulder, which was surgically repaired in the offseason. The MRI has revealed no new structural damage, but the fact that he is experiencing fatigue in it is not promising.

While he throws left-handed, the lead right shoulder can be vital to a left-handed hitter’s swing, and so the smooth stroke of Brantley could find itself on the shelf much longer after he returns.

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First things first, what does this mean for Michael Brantley owners? In almost all cases, you need to hold onto him. Drafting him or keeping him heading into this year you were aware that he would be missing for some time; you’ll just have to hope that it is only a bit more. At his best, he is a top-30 fantasy outfielder, someone you wouldn’t want to just release to the player pool in almost any format.

Who stands to benefit most from this injury? That seemingly would be Jose Ramirez, a player who played almost exclusively in the infield heading into this season but who has found himself in left field a lot this year, Brantley’s primary position. A switch hitter who hits the ball very hard from both sides, Ramirez can provide a solid average and some pop. He also brings the speed of a middle infielder and should be eligible there in most formats, so if he sits on the waiver wire in your league, you should pounce.

Another player that benefits some is Tyler Naquin, although he is left for those in deep leagues. He doesn’t provide much in the way of power, but will hit for a decent average and has some speed; with one less body in the Cleveland outfield, he will find his way into rather regular playing time in center field.

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Hopefully Michael Brantley finds his way back soon for all those who own him, but ideally savvy fantasy owners would profit in the meantime from his absence. You’re on this website, so you definitely are savvy. Go to your waiver wire now to find a viable replacement.