Brantley could start Indians’ opener

Michael Brantley's long climb back could be over.

The left fielder will likely make the Cleveland Indians’ opening-day roster — and could start the opener — following a spring in which he slowly worked himself back into shape after playing in only 11 games last year.

Brantley will travel with Cleveland to Texas this weekend as the Indians prepare to start the season Monday against the Rangers. Manager Terry Francona doesn't have to submit his roster until Sunday, but all signs point to Brantley being on it.

"It's not like it's going to be a big secret," Francona said. "We're not trying to keep it a secret. I mean, we're taking 25 guys and he's one of them. The paperwork is not done, but I think the work has been done by him."

Brantley played in three straight Cactus League games this week as the Indians wanted to see if he could handle the workload before making any decisions. Brantley did not have any setbacks, clearing the way for him to possibly be in left field on opening day.

Brantley batted .385 (10 for 26) with two homers this spring.

With Brantley in the lineup, the Indians are a much more complete team. He's arguably the team's best all-around player, and Francona considers him the heart and soul of the team.

Brantley initially hurt his shoulder while diving for a ball in the outfield in October 2015. He had surgery but was never completely healthy last season, when he underwent an operation on his right biceps.

The Indians took a much more deliberate approach with him this spring, gradually building up strength in his shoulder.

Mariners' Smyly out with elbow problem

Seattle Mariners starter Drew Smyly will begin the season on the disabled list and could be out for up to two months because of a strained elbow.

Smyly likely will miss six to eight weeks with a flex strain in his left elbow, a big blow after the Mariners' roster seemed set for the start of the regular season. Smyly will rehab the injury and surgery is not expected, but he and the club are seeking additional information about how to handle the recovery.

"It's a key loss," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "I can sit here and lament that we've lost Drew for a period of time or I can take a positive outlook and we're days away from opening day. It does nobody good ... if we break with our head down. Drew was and is important to our season. I anticipate he will contribute at some point, just not as soon as we expected."

Smyly was slotted to be Seattle's No. 4 starter after being acquired in the offseason in a trade from Tampa Bay. The 27-year-old was 7-12 with a 4.88 ERA for the Rays last season.

Orioles sign Ripken's son to minor league deal

The Baltimore Orioles have signed the son of Cal Ripken Jr. to a minor league contract.

First baseman Ryan Ripken signed with the class-A Aberdeen IronBirds. The 23-yearold was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round of the 2014 major league draft. He batted .205 over three seasons, hitting three home runs in 145 games.

He will participate in extended spring training before the IronBirds open play in the New York-Penn League in June.