Indians left fielder Michael Brantley is returning to the field, another bit of good news in his progression from offseason shoulder surgery.
Manager Terry Francona said Brantley will play 4-5 innings in a minor league game on Thursday. It will be his first in-game action after undergoing surgery on his right (nonthrowing) shoulder last November that put the beginning of his 2016 season in jeopardy. His Cactus League debut date is still to be determined.
The Indians originally put a timetable of 5-6 months on Brantley’s rehab, which meant he’d miss the first month of the regular season, if not more.