Brantley uncertain for Opening Day roster
'He feels very good. It's pretty exciting,' Francona says of outfielder's progress
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Opening Day is only a week away for the Indians, but the team is still not ready to say whether Michael Brantley might break camp with the team. The left fielder's comeback continues to go well, and that is where manager Terry Francona prefers to leave things.
"He looks very good. He feels very good. It's pretty exciting," Francona said on Monday evening. "I just don't want to put more on his plate, because he's done such a terrific job. Again, it's gone well. I'd rather have it be going like that than the other way."
Brantley, who is coming back from right shoulder surgery (November 2015) and right biceps tenodesis surgery (August '16), has appeared in five Cactus League games with no setbacks. The outfielder launched a home run in Sunday's game against the D-backs and is now batting .313 (5-for-16).
Francona noted that Brantley is scheduled to play in three straight games, following a night off on Monday. That string of contests could go a long way in helping the Indians determine if Brantley's ready to be on the active roster for Opening Day.
"I think there's a chance," Francona said. "I just don't think we know -- only because we're trying to be fair to him. Rather than, like last year, [when] he pushed so hard for Opening Day. And it's important. Having your players is important. But, we need to make sure we do right by him, because that will end up being right by us. We're just trying to be fair."
Other injury updates from Monday:
• Right-hander Cody Anderson underwent Tommy John (elbow ligament reconstruction) surgery on Monday, with Dr. Keith Meister performing the operation in Dallas. Anderson, who will be back in Indians camp on Wednesday, is expected to miss 12-18 months.
• Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (right shoulder) resumed hitting in the cage on Monday evening. Cleveland is still determining if Chisenhall can get ready in time for Opening Day or if a 10-day disabled list stint will be in order.
• Second baseman Jason Kipnis is doing well in his return-to-play progression, according to Francona. Kipnis, who will begin the year on the DL, continued hitting and light throwing on Monday.
Jordan Bastian has covered the Indians for MLB.com since 2011, and previously covered the Blue Jays from 2006-10. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, follow him on Twitter @MLBastian and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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