Fansided

10 MLB comeback candidates to watch in 2018

By Joshua Sadlock

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Noah Syndergaard
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Noah Syndergaard /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Michael Brantley #23 of the Cleveland Indians in action against the New York Yankees in Game Three of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Indians 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Michael Brantley #23 of the Cleveland Indians in action against the New York Yankees in Game Three of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Indians 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Things are pointing in the right direction for Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley, who has spent his past two offseasons recovering from a surgery. He had shoulder surgery before the 2016 season and ankle surgery this winter. Combined, the talented outfielder and two-time All-Star has played only 101 games since 2015.

The 2016 season was a total wash for Brantley, as he played only 11 games and hit just .231/.279/.282 without a home run. Last season was going very well for the 30-year-old until he injured his ankle in August and missed the rest of the year. Brantley made his second All-Star roster and hit .299/.357/.444 with 20 doubles, nine home runs, 52 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 90 games.

Brantley may be able to have himself ready for Opening Day, but still has to run the bases and play defense. The Indians do not need to rush him back thanks to their deep roster. Brantley may be eased back into action as a part-time DH in April until he is ready to go back to left field.

Before his injuries, Brantley had put together a run of four solid seasons in a row, compiling a .303/.362/.447 line with a Silver Slugger in 2014 and an MLB-leading 45 doubles in only 137 games in 2015. If he is able to put together a full season, the Indians will run away with another easy division title and look to avoid tripping up in the ALDS. The Tribe will need all the offense they can get to keep pace with Houston and New York.

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