Indians outfielder Michael Brantley returned to the starting lineup as a designated hitter and is batting third Thursday against the Royals, per the Northeast Ohio Media Group. It's the fifth time this season he's serving as a designated hitter.
Brantley has at least a hit in 25 of the last 30 games played. He is hitting .299 (35 for 117) with 12 doubles, four homers, 25 RBI and 20 walks over that span.
Cleveland is an underdog (+100) at Kansas City, per VegasInsider.com.