Cleveland Indians News: Michael Brantley to Play in MiLB Game

Brantley Set to See First Live Game Action Since Surgery

Earlier we talked about how the Cleveland Indians’ minor league affiliates are beginning their spring training games, and it would appear more than just minor leaguers will be seeing action in those games. Per Tribe reporter Andre Knott and Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes, Michael Brantley will be seeing some action in a minor league game tomorrow.

When asked if he was going to just be the designated hitter, Knott replied that Brantley will actually be starting in left field.

This is huge news for the Cleveland Indians. It’s no secret that the outfield is looking like a weak link for them, especially after Abraham Almonte was suspended.  We still need to see how Brantley looks and, more importantly, feels after he plays but one can’t help but get excited by this news. If Brantley is able to play in games and report minor or no issues there’s a chance he could only miss the first couple weeks of the season…and dare I say, maybe even less?

All that speculation is a tad premature, but seeing game action on St. Patrick’s Day gives him over two weeks before the season starts. Here’s hoping the Luck of the Irish is with Brantley and the recovery continues to progress at this advanced rate.

Uribe Still Dealing with VISA Issues

Juan Uribe was a bit late to camp after signing with the Cleveland Indians due to some United States VISA issues. He ended up missing a very short amount of time and today we learned why:

While it is a bit frustrating that Uribe is missing time dealing with this VISA issue, it shouldn’t be a huge cause for concern. He’s a veteran who really doesn’t need to be playing every day at this point to be ready. In fact, at his age, it may be nice to get some extra time off. That said, here’s hoping things get cleared up quickly. While the Giovanny Urshela is likely not missing Uribe given how he’s hit, the team still needs Uribe in camp and ready for Opening Day.

Next: Ramirez Should Start in CF

Illness Causing the Tribe Fits

Given some recent news, Uribe may not be upset he’s not with the club in Goodyear. Carlos Santana is dealing with an illness, and it turns out that it’s something that’s been plaguing several players and coaches this spring. Zach McAllister is set to pitch in this afternoon’s game, marking the first time he’ll see the mound since he himself came down with the flu.  Hopefully, the Tribe gets this out of their system now, and they don’t have an outbreak like the Kansas City Royals had late last year.