GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- On a day meant for celebrating that pitchers and catchers officially reported for spring duty, it was what took place in the outdoor batting cages at the Indians' Arizona headquarters that stole the spotlight on Wednesday morning.
Left fielder Michael Brantley emerged from the clubhouse -- batting gloves on and bat in hand -- and headed to the hitting tunnels for a round of non-contact swings. With hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo and a team trainer keeping an eye on the workout, Brantley went through a series of swings, testing the right shoulder that was surgically repaired in November.