Houston Astros Welcome Back Brantley, Make Corresponding Move
The Houston Astros announced on Tuesday that they have activated outfielder Michael Brantley and he will be available against the Boston Red Sox.
To make room for Brantley, the Astros optioned outfielder Corey Julks to Triple-A Sugar Land. Because the Astros had Brantley on the 60-day injured list, they also had to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. The Astros designated right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins for assignment.
Brantley joined the Astros on Monday in Boston, coming off a two-week rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land. While there, he put together a solid stretch of offense and played both left field and designated hitter.
The Astros were not prepared to activate Brantley on Monday, saying they wanted to see him go through pre-game workouts and ensure that he was physically ready. Manager Dusty Baker said on Monday that when he’s told players are ready to come back from injury, he likes to give them one extra day before putting them in the lineup.
Brantley played seven rehab games at Sugar Land, including two back-to-back rehab games last week in an effort to see what he could physically handle. In seven games, he batted .348 with two doubles, a home run and seven RBI.
Brantley’s recovery from a shoulder injury has had fits and starts.
The Astros lost Brantley last August when he had right shoulder surgery for a torn labrum. At the time, Brantley was batting .288 and had a .370 on-base percentage, which was ranked second on the team. This came after four straight seasons in which he hit .300 or better. Despite losing Brantley, the Astros were able to win their second World Series in six years.
The Astros re-signed Brantley in the offseason, knowing he might not be ready for the start of the regular season.
He started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land in late April, but a setback caused the Astros to transfer him on the 60-day injured list on June 23. That was shortly before Astros manager Dusty Baker said that Brantley need to take a break from preparing to return, as he had “plateaued.”
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