Cleveland Indians: Brantley continues impressive rehab

The Cleveland Indians at one point was told him could be out till May. But Michael Brantley could make playing Opening day an interesting decision for Terry Francona.

When Cleveland Indians‘ outfielder Michael Brantley proclaimed his goal was to be back for Opening Day most of us thought “that’s nice, but not realistic.” Once again, Brantley is showing us our perceptions of realistic can be thrown out when it comes to him. To be honest, the guy rarely swings and misses–so we should have believed he wouldn’t miss by much on his Opening Day statement.

Brantley will play in a minor league game today, and will see time in the outfield as well as a few at-bats. While his status for Opening Day isn’t decided, how he fares today–and more so how he feels afterward–will go a long way in helping Francona and the Indians’ personnel to make that decision.

After having surgery to repair the torn labrum in his right shoulder, all sorts of bad news came out of Cleveland. Initially, it was that he wouldn’t be ready for the opener. Then it was pushed back until the end of April. After that, reports of May were floating around. Now, on March 17 he’s going to play in a minor league game. Even if he misses his goal of the opener, it’s still a hell of an accomplishment if he’s back at anywhere near 100 percent shortly after.

Brantley wants to play with the Indians in camp, but there’s a catch there. If he plays in aCastus League game after March 25, but isn’t ready yet and starts the season on the disabled list it would lengthen the time he’s on it to start the season. No, Brantley might not like playing in the minor league games for his rehab–but it will play out best just in case he isn’t ready on Opening Day but shortly after. Brantley, Francona and the trainers will meet next week to discuss a plan moving forward.