Brantley (back) will serve as the designated hitter and bat third Friday against the Twins, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. After missing six of the team's first eight games to start the year due to a back issue, Brantley will slot back in to face right-hander Mike Pelfrey in the opener against Minnesota. Brantley is 1-for-10 with a walk in his career against Pelfrey. It's uncertain when he may be cleared to return to the field, but Brantley appears safe to deploy in all formats this weekend.