Indians All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley missed a second straight start Thursday against the Astros due to a back injury. David Murphy started in left field Thursday after Mike Aviles drew the start in Brantley's absence Wednesday.
Brantley, who was hitless in four at-bats during his season debut Monday, will be evaluated by the doctors in Cleveland on Friday.
"He's a little stiff," Francona said, per Cleveland.com. "We'll try to stay away from him [Thursday] and get him looked at [Friday] morning, just to get a little more clarity. The doctors who have all looked at him think they have a bead on it, but it just keeps acting up on him. Hopefully the more information we get, the better feel we have and we can get him back out there playing."
Brantley has been plagued by back issues since arriving for spring training in mid-February. He was excused from some drills early in camp and missed some spring games due to his back problems.
Francona added Brantley "felt great" Wednesday before his back tightened up on him.