Michael Brantley (back) returns to Indians' lineup, batting third
Indians outfielder Michael Brantley returned to the starting lineup and is batting third, behind Jason Kipnis and ahead of Carlos Santana on Friday against the Tigers, according to the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
Brantley was sidelined the previous two games with lower back stiffness. He has been held without a hit in four at-bats this season.
Manager Terry Francona told reporters he may sprinkle in some off days for Brantley in the near future after the outfielder acknowledged he's still experiencing some lower back discomfort, per MLB.com.
"We'll keep an eye on him," Francona said. "If he needs a day off or something, we can certainly do that. But we don't ever want to turn something that could be a day or two into two weeks. But it's nice having him in the lineup, that's for sure."
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