Indians manager Terry Francona said Wednesday that he's "hopeful" outfielder Michael Brantley, who was scratched from Wednesday's lineup with a back injury, will return to the lineup Thursday but that he's uncertain of Brantley's availability, the Northeast Ohio Media Group reports.
"If he doesn't," Francona said, "I'd rather it be a day or two than a week or two. He's battled this on and off all spring. We just want to get a handle on it."
Brantley also dealt with back issues this spring and was able to play in Monday's season opener, going 0 for 4 at the plate.
"The doctors have looked at him and I don't think there's any real concern structurally, but it hurts," Francona said. "We'll see how he feels [Thursday] and we'll certainly get him looked at when he gets home."
The Indians head to Cleveland Friday to open a weekend series against the Tigers.