Brantley returns, but future uncertain

CLEVELAND — The Indians dusted off Michael Brantley on Saturday night for a pinch-hitting appearance. It was his first big-league game since Aug. 8.

Brantley, in a 10-pitch at-bat against Carson Fulmer, singled into right field. The swing looked like it always does — smooth and efficient. So where do Brantley and the Indians go from here with the American League division series starting Thursday?

Can he run enough to play left field on a right ankle that has put him on the disabled list twice this season? Would the Indians still carry him as a pinchhitter? Or was this just a thanks for all the hours of rehab work and we’ll see you at spring training?

Just another question for manager Terry Francona and the front office to ponder in making out their 25-man roster for the ALDS. Before the Indians lost to the White Sox 2-1 on Saturday night at Progressive Field, Francona said he wanted to have an “in-depth” talk with Brantley to see if he felt the organization was pushing him too hard to get back on the field.

Apparently, the answer was no or Brantley wouldn’t have pinch-hit after being activated from the DL before the game.

So many questions, so little time to fill out the ALDS roster.

Will outfielders Lonnie Chisenhall and Brandon Guyer be ready? What about Mike Clevinger, who made his third appearance in his new role of reliever and gave up the game-winning run? Does lefty Tyler Olson make it after delivering his 29th scoreless appearance of the season?

The one thing above question? Corey Kluber, of course.

The Indians ace allowed one run on six hits in five innings in a tune-up for his Game 1 start of the ALDS.

The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the fourth off Kluber on a bloop single to right by Kevan Smith to score Jose Abreu from second.

The Indians tied it in the fifth. Fulmer hit Yan Gomes with a one-out pitch. Brantley pinch hit for Giovanny Urshela and singled into right field to send Gomes to third. Francisco Lindor sent a potential double-play grounder to second, but he beat shortstop Tyler Saladino’s relay to first as Gomes scored to make it 1-1.

The White Sox won it in the sixth against Clevinger (12-6) on a RBI double by Smith.

PRESS] [TONY DEJAK/THE ASSOCIATED Corey Kluber, who gave up one run in five innings against the White Sox, won the ERA title with a 2.25 mark, beating out the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw (2.31).