Brantley (shoulder) has graduated to hitting off of a tee, and is still targeting Opening Day for his return, Jordan Bastain of MLB.com

EDGE Analysis

While Brantley may still insist Opening Day is a possibility, WTAM 1100's Nick Camino notes that it's probably not a realistic goal. A breakout star in 2014, Brantley backed that up with another well-rounded 2015 campaign, derailed only by an injuries that limited him to just 137 games. Timetables for Brantley have generally ranged from mid-April to early May, but more clarity on the situation should come as the regular season approaches.

Brantley (shoulder) took the day off Thursday after his first day of non-contact swings Thursday, MLB.com reports. "He's doing really well, which is not a surprise. I hate to say he's ahead of schedule, because I don't think that's fair to him. He's got a lot of hurdles," manager Terry Francona said.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley's timetable still has a fair amount of uncertainty surrounding it but it's encouraging to see that he's already taking some dry swings. Expect the Indians to take it slow with Brantley in the early weeks of spring training.

Brantley (shoulder) took non-contact swings at the team's spring training facility Wednesday, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will probably be standard for Brantley over the coming weeks, as he is not expected to return from labrum surgery until late April or early May. That timetable is far from precise, and if he misses too much time, a fourth straight double-double season would be tough to accomplish. That said, he has hit above .284 in four straight seasons, so his reasonable floor is four months of a high average hitter who is hitting near the top of Cleveland's lineup.

Brantley (shoulder) is expected to return from labrum surgery sometime in late April or early August, but the projection is admittedly hazy, Paul Hoynes of cleveland.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hoynes reports that the Indians have been encouraged by Brantley's recovery, but the uncertainty surrounding when he can begin his rehab isn't exactly reassuring. Any extended absence will have to be covered by Rajai Davis and Collin Cowgill in left field. What's also worrying is that Brantley apparently enjoys swinging in the offseason, which could potentially lead to a slow start. "In the off-season people know I love to hit," said Brantley. "I hit a lot. It's just been a change in my timetable."

Indians manager Terry Francona acknowledged that it is unlikely Brantley (shoulder) will be ready to rejoin the team's lineup by Opening Day, the Indians' official site reports. "He won't open the season, most likely, with us," Francona said of Brantley. "We'll look at a number of guys. We'll see what fits the best. We'll probably have some platooning going on, especially earlier in the year. There's a number of guys that are coming in [to help]."

EDGE Analysis

A report in December suggested that Brantley was behind schedule in his rehab following offseason shoulder surgery, but the Indians quickly released a statement to shoot that down. With Lonnie Chisenhall already expected to see regular time in right field against right-handed starters, there may be an open competition in spring training for the starts on that side of the platoon in left while Brantley goes through the final stages of his recovery in April. Barring the addition of a left-handed hitting veteran to the outfield mix this spring, James Ramsey could emerge as a candidate to work in tandem with Rajai Davis, Joey Butler, and Collin Cowgill.

The Indians announced Monday that Brantley is on track in his recovery from shoulder surgery and is not facing an absence longer than originally expected.

EDGE Analysis

A report came out Monday that suggested Brantley could be out until June, but the Indians reiterated that they expect Brantley to need 5-to-6 months to recover from the early November procedure. There is still a chance Brantley will not be ready for Opening Day, but as long as his recovery continues going as planned, he should be back at 100 percent sometime in April or May.

Brantley (shoulder) may be held out of games until June, but the Indians have disputed that report, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The report of the longer timetable is from a source close to the situation. Nevertheless, Brantley is coming back from a major shoulder procedure (on his front shoulder) and it's reasonable to err on the side of caution in early drafts at least until there are signs of significant progress in his rehab work.

Brantley (shoulder) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Monday. He's expected to remain out for 5-to-6 months.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley initially injured the shoulder while diving for a ball back on Sept. 22 against the Twins. Initially, he attempted to rehab without surgery, but after seeking a second opinion, it was recommended that he undergo the procedure. Given the 5-to-6-month timetable, Brantley's Opening Day status is in jeopardy, and he's likely to miss at least a small portion of time at the start of the 2016 season.

Brantley (shoulder) will miss the remainder of the regular season after receiving a cortisone shot in his shoulder Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley returned to the lineup for both Sunday and Monday's games, but sat out again Tuesday after suffering a setback with his shoulder issue. He will now miss the remainder of the season, but should be ready for the start of spring training unless something unforeseen prevents it.

Brantley (shoulder), who wasn't in the lineup Tuesday before the game was postponed, could be shut down for the rest of the regular season, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley was scheduled to meet with a team doctor to discuss his persistent shoulder soreness but there's a chance the Indians will decide to play it safe and simply shut him down for the remainder of the season. Don't expect him back in the lineup for Wednesday's double header in all likelihood.