Cleveland Indians: Brantley continues rehab; Could return early

Cleveland Indians’ outfield remains a big question mark entering the season, but help might not be as far off as some thought.

After the Cleveland Indians outfielder had surgery on his injured shoulder, we heard he could be out anywhere from three to four months–or possibly back by Opening Day. While it was Michael Brantley that mentioned Opening Day, it’s possible that it might not be long after that before he makes his return.

Instead of heading to Florida during the offseason where he lives, Brantley spent much of his time in Cleveland trying to work his way back as quickly as possible. Being back for the first game was a pretty bold claim, and while it was appreciated the Indians’ staff and front office don’t want to see him push too hard.

His progression has moved quickly. He’s already moved from non-contact swings to hitting off a tee, and from here he would hit the batting cages before getting onto the field to see live pitching. One of the positives is that the injury is to his non-throwing shoulder, allowing him to take part in baserunning and fielding drills. If anything, this will keep him from being “rusty” when he does finally make his return.

Brantley doesn’t simply anchor the outfield, but he’s a team leader. The former All-Star and MVP candidate is needed back, but he will dictate the speed of his return and not someone in the front office. But if the rehab continues to go as smoothly as it has, we could see Brantley back on the field for the Indians before the late April or early May predictions that were originally given.

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With Abraham Almonte suspended, the Tribe outfield is one of the biggest question marks entering the season. Without a true everyday starter projected at any of the three outfield spots, Terry Francona will have to mix and match based on the best match-ups until the Indians get Brantley–and possibly Almonte–back on the field.