The Houston Astros have been without long-time outfielder Michael Brantley for the entirety of the 2023 season. They unfortunately received a tough update on his lingering injury, which forced them to make a drastic move.
Brantley has been rehabbing with Houston’s Triple-A affiliate from offseason shoulder surgery. He underwent a setback earlier this week after feeling discomfort in his shoulder.
The Astros further examined the shoulder and found that Brantley has inflammation in his shoulder.
Astros manager Dusty Baker revealed the news along with a statement that the organization is shutting Brantley down for an “indefinite period”.
Dusty Baker said Michael Brantley has inflammation in his surgically repaired shoulder and the Astros are shutting him down for an indefinite period.
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) May 12, 2023
It is obviously unclear at this point if or when Brantley could return from this injury, but the diagnosis is obviously a concerning one. Many around the MLB world took notice of this news and speculated about his future with the team.
michael brantley's body has fully given up on him but he's always gonna be my guy 🫶🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/XjFKZcsK0a
— shezza (@swampcreaturee) May 12, 2023
Firstly, above all else, have to feel for Michael Brantley as this sounds like a huge blow for him.
Secondly, as an Astros fan it’s almost impossible not be extremely frustrated at this situation, for multiple reasons. This seems like very poor roster planning. #Astros https://t.co/6WQee19wdQ
— Astros Fans UK (@AstrosFansUK) May 12, 2023
Do y'all see Michael Brantley ever coming back for the Astros?
I would have said of course but now I'm starting to be concerned.
And they are so secretive.
— Neil C (@neilc252) May 12, 2023
The Astros signed Michael Brantley to play DH and LF. He got 1 year, $12M. Assuming a similar contract, who should the Astros have signed? JD Martinez, Nelson Cruz, Trey Mancini, Joey Gallo, Aledmys Diaz, someone else?
— The Astros Locker (@TheAstrosLocker) May 12, 2023
Brantley has been a staple in the Astros lineup and has been a key contributor to their recent success. In four years with the organization he has reached two All-Star games.
His absence has clearly been felt on the Astros roster thus far this season. They currently sit at just 19-18 one year removed from a World Series Championship.
Houston paid a pretty penny to keep Brantley in town this offseason, signing him to a one-year $11 million contract. That clearly hasn’t worked out thus far, and there are now some serious questions regarding whether or not he will take the field again with the organization.
