Houston Astros outfielder Michael Brantley is facing a setback in his rehabilitation process, as he has been shut down indefinitely due to a persistent shoulder inflammation. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since early September with a right quad strain, which caused him to miss the entire postseason last year.
The Astros had hoped that Brantley would be ready for the start of the 2021 season, but his shoulder inflammation has forced the team to slow down his recovery. The team has not provided a timetable for his return and is instead focused on getting him healthy before returning him to action.
Brantley is an important player for the Astros, as he is a consistent offensive threat that can hit for average and power. He hit .300 with five home runs and 22 RBIs in 46 games last season, and his presence in the lineup would be sorely missed if he is unable to return to the team for an extended period of time.
The Astros had a disappointing season in 2020, as they lost in the American League Championship Series to the Tampa Bay Rays. The team will be looking to bounce back in 2021, and having Brantley healthy and in the lineup will be a key factor in achieving that goal.
The team has also been dealing with uncertainty regarding the status of star players Carlos Correa and George Springer, as both are set to become free agents after the 2021 season. The Astros will need to make some tough decisions in the offseason to keep the team competitive, and having Brantley healthy and producing at an All-Star level would be a boost to their efforts.
In the meantime, the Astros will have to rely on their depth in the outfield, which includes Kyle Tucker, Josh Reddick, and Myles Straw. While those players are capable of producing, none of them have the track record of success that Brantley brings to the lineup.
The Astros will need to monitor Brantley’s shoulder closely and ensure that he doesn’t rush back too soon. It’s better to have him miss a few games now than to risk further injury and have him miss even more time later in the season.
Overall, the injury to Brantley is unfortunate for both the player and the team. However, the Astros have the talent and experience to overcome this setback and still compete at a high level in 2021. The team will have to rally around one another and continue to push forward without one of their key players in the lineup.
