Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day after his surgically repaired right shoulder flared up earlier this week.
Brantley has played in just two games this spring and the Indians have held him out of action since shoulder soreness flared up after Monday’s game.
Brantley has long had a goal of being ready for Opening Day since undergoing surgery last November.
“I think it was healthy for him to shoot for (Opening Day),” Francona told reporters. “Anytime you have a goal, it’s good. I hope he’s not disappointed. I think he understands better than anybody here what he means to this team.
“There’s not one ounce of disappointment in me. I’m proud of him. He busted his butt. It might be a week later … it might be 10 days. But he’s going to be just fine. We just have to do it right.”
The Indians will plan a new course of action with Brantley once they receive a verdict from team doctors.
Brantley injured the shoulder attempting to make a diving catch against the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 22.
Brantley batted .310 with 15 homers and 84 RBIs last season.