Brantley slugged .266 in 114 games in 2011. He had 46 RBIs, seven home runs, and 13 stolen bases in his career.
Brantley’s season came to an abrupt halt in August when he needed surgery on the hamate bone in his right hand because of tendinitis in his right wrist.
The injured Grady Sizemore necessitated Brantley’s switch to center field in 2012. He had a 22-game hitting streak, which was career-high.
Brantley takes his time getting to the plate, and his swing is quick and compact. First-pitch strikes are rare for him; he prefers to predict the correct position and type of pitch before taking a swing.
Dennis Manoloff, a Cleveland Indians sportswriter, dubbed him “Dr. Smooth” in 2012 because of his fluid swing and approach at the plate.
A career-high .288 average in 144 games, as well as.348 on-base percentage, .402 slugging percentage, 37 doubles, and 60 RBIs, all set new marks for the catcher’s output in 2014.
To treat a sports hernia, Brantley underwent surgery in the off-season of 2012. After signing free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn, the Indians sent Brantley back to left field for the 2013 season.
The Indians and Brantley’s reps talked about an extension before the season started, but nothing came of it.
Brantley passed Rocky Colavito’s previous mark of 213 games played without an error by an outfielder for the Indians in August of 2013.
Last year, Brantley had a breakout season, hitting an impressive .284 average with 158 hits and 10 home runs along with 73 RBIs and 17 steals. At the completion of the season, his errorless record stood at 245.
Where Is Michael Brantley From?
Michael Brantley is from Bellevue which is a city in Washington state, across Lake Washington from Seattle.