Oct 1, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Michael Brantley watches during batting practice before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Astros OF Michael Brantley being shut down with inflammation in shoulder
According to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle, Astros manager Dusty Baker said outfielder Michael Brantley has inflammation on his surgically repaired right shoulder and will be out indefinitely. He has not played this season.
Brantley was expected to make his season debut this week after missing most of the 2022 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He has missed significant time in each of the last three seasons.
The 36-year-old will likely be out for an extended period, given his age and how cautious the Astros want to be with him. This adds to the list of injuries the Astros have suffered early this season, including to starting pitcher Luis Garcia, who will miss the season with a torn UCL.
Brantley hit .288 in 64 games with the Astros last season and has hit .306 in his four years in Houston. His bat could definitely be used in a struggling lineup for a Houston club currently sitting in third place in the AL West.
