Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley is back in the Opening Day lineup
The Cleveland Indians open the season Monday, and Michael Brantley is in the lineup after working on his return for the past year.
With the MLB season underway today, the anticipation for the Cleveland Indians’ season opener continues to build. And with one day to go, fans received some great news.
At first glance, that is just an incredibly stacked top of the order. Opposing pitchers will have a tough time getting through the first five, while players like Yandy Diaz, Yan Gomes and Tyler Naquin can continue to keep the pressure on at the bottom of the order.
But the best thing about that top five is the name in the third slot. Michael Brantley is opening the year as a starter, which is much more than most fans could have expected. The team never gave much of a definitive update on his status, with his presence in games throughout the past few weeks being the only sign of how he was progressing.
With Jason Kipnis out, Brantley’s presence in the lineup helps the team stay at an elite level on offense. We do not know how he will do after missing nearly an entire season, but he did not look to be playing at a lesser level in March. Spring training is much different than the regular season, but Terry Francona would not put him out there if he wasn’t playing at a high level.
The question now becomes whether Brantley can play everyday, but he won’t have to early in the season thanks to Brandon Guyer being on the team. That may change if Brantley plays like his old self, but there is no need to rush him back into everyday action when the roster is as deep as it is.
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The great news continues to roll in as the season is about to start, so let’s hope that translates into an Opening Day win. Brantley being back in the lineup should help that cause.