Brantley activated for home opener

The Indians’ bats, anemic in the first six games of the season, are about to get a booster shot.

All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley will be activated before the Indians play the Kansas City Royals at 4:10 p.m. April 6 in the home opener at Progressive Field, manager Terry Francona told reporters covering the Tribe’s game against the Angels on April 4.

Brantley began the season on the disabled list while he completed his rehab from ankle surgery in October of last year.

“He flew to Cleveland last night (April 3), and I talked to him yesterday,” Francona said. “The plan — I don’t think it’s any big secret — the plan is to activate him. I think just, using good judgment, we’ll doublecheck with him. But, I think everybody’s on the same page.”

Brantley kept sharp by participating in extended spring training on April 2 and 3 at the Indians’ complex in Goodyear, Arizona, while the Indians were getting their 2018 season underway.

He played in only three Cactus League games with the Tribe.

A corresponding move will have to be made to create a roster spot for Brantley. Five other outfielders — Tyler Naquin, Bradley Zimmer, Lonnie Chisenhall, Rajai Davis and Brandon Guyer — are on the 25-man roster now. Naquin played most of the first six games in left field — the spot normally occupied by Brantley.

The Indians, 2-4, have the lowest batting average in the Major Leagues at .161. They are 20th in runs scored with 33.

The Tribe outfielders are all struggling at the plate. Naquin’s batting average is .167. Davis and Zimmer are both hitting .134. Guyer is hitting .200 and Chisenhall has a team-high batting average of .235.

Brantley played in 90 games last season and hit .299 with nine home runs and 52 RBI. He sprained his right ankle chasing down a fly ball on Aug. 8, effectively ending his season.

Weather for the opener could delay Brantley starting. The Indians don’t want to risk him sliding on slippery outfield grass and reinjuring his ankle. Even when he does become a part of the everyday lineup, the plan is to give him time off so the ankle isn’t fatigued.

“Yes, we will. Definitely,” Francona said. “(Head athletic trainer James Quinlan) sent out kind of a, not a schedule, but just some ideas. Common sense, I think, kind of rules the day there.”

Brantley has a .292 career batting average over 908 games with the Indians. He has hit 70 home runs and driven in 452 runs. He made the American League All-Star team in 2014 and 2017.