CLEVELAND — Indians outfielder Michael Brantley has been diagnosed with right biceps tendinitis and has been given a cortisone shot.
Brantley, who had surgery on his right shoulder in November, was examined by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on Tuesday. Indians manager Terry Francona said the exam showed Brantley’s shoulder is structurally sound.
Brantley is on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season. He had been swinging the bat off soft-toss and a hitting tee, but felt discomfort as he increased his activities last week.
Brantley began the season on the DL and returned April 25. He appeared in 11 games and batted .231 with seven RBIs before returning to the DL on May 14 when he was also given a cortisone shot.
No timetable for Brantley’s return has been established, but Francona believes the fact the shoulder is structurally sound is encouraging.
“I’m sure Brantley is thrilled,” he said. “And if this is what it is they can knock that out and he will get back on the path of coming back So of all things it could have been this is great news.”
Brantley finished third in the AL MVP voting after batting .327 with 20 homers and 97 RBIs in 2014. He hit .310 with 15 homers and 84 RBIs last season.
