Brantley (shoulder) is improving but still may be held out of the lineup Friday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. "He's doing better," manager Terry Francona said. "He hit in the cage today (Thursday). I don't know if he'll play Friday, but I guess the fact that we're even thinking about it means that he's getting closer."

EDGE Analysis

Brantley's missed the last two games but looks to be a factor at some point over the weekend as Cleveland tries to get back into the playoff hunt.