All-Star left fielder Michael Brantley’s shoulder injury has convinced the Indians to shut him down for the final six games of the season.
Production-wise Brantley was nearly able to duplicate his breakout 2014 campaign, hitting .310 with 15 homers, a league-leading 45 doubles, and an .859 OPS. However, he played just 137 games after totaling 156 last year thanks to lingering left shoulder problems and the recent right shoulder injury.
With plus defense and a solid bat Brantley was always a good all-around regular for the Indians, but during the past two seasons he’s emerged as one of the best outfielders in baseball by upping his offensive value from good to great. Under team control through 2018, he’s become a bargain for Cleveland ... assuming the shoulder issues don’t linger into next year.