Indians: Michael Brantley Suffers Another Setback

By Brad Kelly | Jul 19, 2016

Oct 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) stands in the dugout prior to a game against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley has battled through a shoulder injury all season. After suffering another setback, is he now done for the season?

The Cleveland Indians are having a terrific season, notching 54 wins already this season, and are in sole possession of the lead in the AL Central. But, a widely overlooked part of their success in 2016, is that they have had to do it all without one of, it not their best player, Michael Brantley.

As most fantasy owners should be aware of by now, Brantley went under the knife in the offseason to repair a small tear in his labrum. Labrum injuries, whether it be the hip or shoulder, are one of the most troublesome injuries for players and it has been no surprise to see Brantley have his struggles trying to rehab it.

Brantley was able to play return this season in late April, and did play in 11 games. However, to even the most casual fans eyes, it was clear that he just could not really let his swing go full-bore. After only 39 AB he was placed back on the DL, and that is where he has remained ever since.

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Earlier this month there was a growing sense of optimism that if Brantley could avoid any issues during his latest rehab stint, he would be able to return for the Indians. Getting someone of Brantley’s talent level right around the trade deadline, could have posed as a huge get for the Tribe, but things took a turn for the worse over the weekend.

Brantley felt discomfort again, causing him to not be able to play in back to back games, and now the team has made the decision that he needs another MRI. This is clearly not what anyone wanted to hear, and even if the MRI was precautionary, one would have to assume that something has flared up again.

This would mean more rest, and rehab, which could force the Indians’ hand in just shutting him down for good. They do not want another Travis Hafner/Grady Sizemore situation.

From a fantasy perspective, Brantley was looking as a prime stash candidate for the second half, but this latest news, should warrant owners to look elsewhere. Cleveland has been able to offset Brantley’s absence thanks in large part to the likes of Tyler Naquin, and Rajai Davis.

Naquin is still unowned in most leagues even though he is in the midst of a breakout season, and it is even more surprising to see Davis only owned in around 60% of all leagues across all fantasy formats.

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Moving forward, it remains to be seen what the Tribe will now do at the trade deadline, as they could look to add an outfield bat or just look internally. Owners should check their leagues to see if Naquin or Davis is available, because both should be owned moving forward. The Indians have all the pieces to make a deep postseason run, unfortunately it does not seem like Brantley will not be apart of it though.

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