MLB Player News

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is back in the lineup Friday against the Royals.

After missing the previous two games with a right shoulder injury, Brantley apparently improved enough for manager Terry Francona to slot him back into the lineup. The 28-year-old will man his usual left field duties and bat third.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is improving but still might be held out of the lineup Friday in Kansas City, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

"He's doing better," Terry Francona said. "He hit in the cage (Thursday). I don't know if he'll play Friday, but I guess the fact that we're even thinking about it means that he's getting closer."

Brantley's missed the last two games but looks to be a factor at some point over the weekend as Cleveland tries desperately to stay in the playoff hunt.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins.

Brantley will sit out for the second straight day due to the shoulder injury he suffered in Tuesday's game. Mike Aviles will get another start in left field in Brantley's place.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is out of Wednesday's lineup against the Twins. 

Brantley exited Tuesday's game because of the shoulder issue, and it will cost him Wednesday's contest as well. The team hasn't released an update beyond a left shoulder issue at this time, but the severity should be clarified at some point in the near future.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox due to a back issue, Chris Iott of MLive.com reports.

Cabrera has recorded a hit in five straight games, but Cabrera will reportedly sit out Wednesday to receive two days off with the team off day Thursday. It sounds as though the injury is relatively minor in nature, so it's possible he'll rejoin the lineup as soon as Friday. Alex Avila will get the start at first base in Cabrera's place.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley left Tuesday's game with a right shoulder injury, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports.

He injured the shoulder on a diving attempt to catch an Aaron Hicks triple in the third inning and was replaced by Michael Martinez. Brantley was 0 for 2 before exiting, and his status will be updated when the team updates the severity of the injury.

Tigers first baseman Victor Martinez is not in the lineup for the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the White Sox. 

Martinez got the team's only hit in the first game Monday, but he'll take a seat for Game 2. Miguel Cabrera will get the start at first base, while Ian Kinsler will serve as the team's DH.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

 It's not a huge surprise that Cabrera will skip one of the doubleheaders Monday, and it appears the first game is the one. Victor Martinez will start in his place at firs base, while J.D. Martinez will serve as the DH in the the contest. It seems highly likely that Cabrera will rejoin the lineup for Game 2 on Monday.

Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader with the Angels, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The 25-year-old has been atop the order for each of the Twins' last 15 games (including Game 1), but will head to the bench following an 0-for-5 showing in Saturday's matinee. Byron Buxton will take over in center while Brian Dozier leads off against right-hander Garrett Richards.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley recorded three base hits and two RBI in Friday's 12-1 win over the White Sox. The lefty-versus-lefty matchup against Chicago's Chris Sale didn't faze Brantley, which has been a trend throughout the season.

Brantley is hitting .305 versus left-handers and has a comparable .323 mark versus righties, though he typically hasn't shown as much power against same-handed pitching.