Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley ready to step in for Edwin Encarnacion

Cleveland Indians fans had horrific flashbacks when Edwin Encarnacion went down early in Game 2. This time depth is there in the form of Michael Brantley.

When Edwin Encarnacion went down in the bottom of the first inning in Friday’s Game 2 of the ALDS, it was hard to avoid flashbacks to the late season injuries that engulfed the 2016 Indians.

The injury was brutal to watch, and when you saw the slow motion replays, it was easy to see why most fans were preparing for the worst.

The immediate aftermath left Indians fans concerned, and rightfully so, it’s still a brutally pessimistic bunch. But after the initial shock wore off the reality set in, and the Indians were prepared for this.

Think about this: The Indians lost a slugger who had near 40 home run production, yet they had an eager All-Star on the bench ready to jump in and fill the hole in Michael Brantley. How many other organizations can pull that off? Not many. I’m not sure that the depth of this organization is getting as much praise at it deserves.

This speaks to the unfathomable roster construction that Chris Antonetti and the rest of the Tribe front office has been able to pull off in 2017. By adding Jay Bruce (wow, what a trade) when they did, the organization knew it would have an influx of talent when everyone cleared the disabled list.

Things haven’t gone perfectly in rehabbing, and the Bradley Zimmer injury threw a wrench into plans. Yet the Indians have a solid group patrolling all three outfield spots with Austin Jackson,  Jason Kipnis conforming well in center field, and Lonnie Chisenhall settling in well in left field.

This left Brantley with only a pinch-hitting role on this ALDS roster – which is exactly where he is best served coming off his own ankle issues in early August.

When Encarnacion went down in the first inning, although unfortunate, it led to an ideal situation for Brantley to step in. Although Brantley went 0 for 5 in his relief of Encarnacion, his bat will always pose a serious threat that opposing pitchers have to account for.

Fans can rest easy knowing that although Brantley can’t match Edwin’s power, he is a pure contact bat that can play against any pitcher. Of course, Encarnacion may be ready before any of us thought possible.

The challenge for Francona and company will be to make sure Encarnacion is ready to go at 100 percent for the ALCS or World Series. He needs full health to take advantage of that swing.

Next: Breaking down the Game 2 win

The good thing is, the Indians are in a perfect roster spot to wait and be patient. Hopefully they can handle business tonight in New York, and give Edwin all the adequate rest he needs moving forward.