Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley played today, set to play tomorrow

Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley played on Wednesday, and is set to play on Thursday. Is this a sign he is back for good?

While some key Cleveland Indians players are in Los Angeles for the World Baseball Classic final, the rest of the team played in Arizona. This included Michael Brantley.

Brantley went 1-3 while hitting second in the lineup, behind Carlos Santana. He was followed by Jose Ramirez and Edwin Encarnacion, giving fans a preview of the dominant lineup that is to come this season.

Brantley’s final line is not the exciting part, but rather it is just nice to see him back in action. And the fact he is set to play on Thursday only raises the optimism about his return.

As with any Indians injury news, no one wants to assume Brantley is fully healthy again. But his participation in games is a great sign, and it may mean he will suit up on Opening Day in less than two weeks. Given he isn’t feeling any pain, there is no reason he should not play at the beginning of the season. He seems to be doing just fine at the plate out in Arizona.

Getting back in game shape after missing an entire season isn’t easy, but Brantley appears to be ready. Hopefully, there won’t need to be any more updates on his condition, and he will simply be back for good.

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Then the focus will shift to Jason Kipnis and his timetable for a return.