Indians shut down Brantley for remainder of season
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Indians have shut down left fielder Michael Brantley for the rest of the regular season because of a sore right shoulder.
Manager Terry Francona made the announcement before the first game of Wednesday's double-header against Minnesota.
Brantley injured the shoulder trying to make a diving catch last week in Minnesota. He sat out four games, but played Sunday and Monday, going hitless in both games. He wasn't in the lineup Tuesday -- a game that was postponed by rain -- and was examined a doctor. An MRI revealed inflammation and Brantley got a cortisone shot Wednesday.
Brantley began the season slowed by a back issue that started in spring training. He is batting .310 with 15 homers and 84 RBIs in 137 games. Brantley finished third in the AL MVP voting last season.
Cleveland trails Los Angeles by five games for the second AL wild-card.
