Michael Brantley is fourth in the American League in hitting with a .323 batting average. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Indians outfielder Michael Brantley is out for at least Cleveland’s next two games as he continues to recover from a mild concussion, but he could be back for Saturday’s home game vs. the Tigers, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
The 27-year-old suffered the injury on Monday by banging his head on John McDonald’s knee while attempting to break up a double play in the Indians’ 4-3 win over the Angels. Manager Terry Francona said the team was hesitant to put him on the concussion list because the medical staff believes it’s possible he could return before that requisite seven-day period, Bastian tweeted. The Indians’ game was postponed on Wednesday and Francona said Brantley spent time at the Cleveland Clinic a day earlier before the decision was ultimately made to keep him out until Saturday at the earliest, Joe Reedy of Fox Sports Ohio reported on Wednesday.
Brantley is currently fourth in the American League in hitting with a .323 batting average. The Indians are 36-36, third in the AL Central.
Francona: Brantley suffered very mild concussion. Passing tests each day. Might be back on field Thursday. Lineup return possible Saturday.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) June 18, 2014
Francona: Indians haven’t placed Brantley on concussion list because medical staff feels he might be deemed OK prior to 7-day period.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) June 18, 2014
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