Indians outfielder Michael Brantley has had another setback, though it appears this one might only cost him about a week.
Brantley underwent an outpatient procedure on Friday to break up and relieve scar tissue that had built up in his surgically repaired right shoulder. Imaging of his shoulder revealed no structural damage. Indians head athletic trainer James Quinlan added that the doctors were “encouraged” with Brantley’s shoulder.
Brantley will rest through the weekend and is expected to resume baseball activities early next week.
“The fear is when you get tested that extensively, that you can almost find something on anybody,” Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters in Baltimore. “The fact that they didn’t is really good news. Now, it’s just going to be a matter of days until he starts again. I know he’s frustrated. We ask our players to do the same thing all the time: Do your best. He kind of goes above and beyond. I think we’re hopeful.”
The hope had been that Brantley could play in back-to-back rehab starts for the RubberDucks last weekend, but the Indians’ trainers pulled him before Saturday’s game. He played seven innings on Sunday before again being shut down.
The Indians still have no timetable for his return.
Pitcher called back up
Cody Anderson is being recalled to the majors once again.
Anderson will begin his sixth stint with the Indians this season, taking the place of relief pitcher Joe Colon, who is being placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to July 19.
The Indians continue to envision Anderson as a long-term starting pitcher, though for now he’ll provide multi-inning relief in the bullpen.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at www.ohio.com/indians. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RyanLewisABJ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RyanLewisABJ