Indians outfielder Michael Brantley, who has been bothered by a sore back throughout the season, was held out of the starting lineup Wednesday against left-hander Jason Vargas and the Royals.
Brantley is a .320 hitter (24 for 75) against left-handed pitchers this season. He 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.