Cleveland Indians dominating without contributions from two potential All-Stars

The Cleveland Indians are in the midst of a winning streak, but have picked up the wins without much help from Francisco Lindor or Michael Brantley.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers are driving fans crazy, the Cleveland Indians have given fans in Cleveland something to smile about.

The Indians have won six straight, thanks to an offensive awakening along with some great performances from the starting pitching staff.

But while Jose Ramirez and Edwin Encarnacion have been leading the charge, two big names have been noticeably absent from the fun.

Michael Brantley is the first, as he has not even played during this winning streak, yet he has a good excuse. Brantley left the team before last Thursday’s game as his wife had their child, and he has been placed on the DL upon his return, although he is eligible to return this weekend. While the injury doesn’t appear serious, there is no need to rush him back with the way the team is playing.

Then there is Francisco Lindor, who has been with the team during the streak. The young shortstop has had a June to forget, hitting just .176 this month with an OBP of .211.

He only has four hits during the winning streak, and is 0-11 in his last two games. Even when the Indians routed the Baltimore Orioles by the score of 12-0 Monday night, Lindor managed to go 0-6 and miss out on the fun the lineup was having.

Both Brantley and Lindor are near the top of the All-Star voting, and both should at least expect to make it as reserves if they don’t get voted in as starters.

Brantley has a great shot to start as Mike Trout is currently injured, while Lindor has enough of a lead over the next closest player that it would be hard to imagine him not at least making it in a backup role.

The All-Star Game is a great honor, but the most important thing is that both players return to being meaningful pieces of the offense. To be fair to Brantley, he is a key piece who just so happened to have a child arrive during the season.

As for Lindor, fans realize he is only in his second full season with the team. He is young and learning the ways of the league, but he will only continue to slide down the lineup if he doesn’t improve soon. The good news is that he is so talented he should be able to figure things out sooner than later.

Next: Indians draft recap

Once both Lindor and Brantley return to being forces in the lineup, it will be hard for any opposing pitcher to stop this team.