Optimistic Brantley says rehab not mishandled

CLEVELAND — Michael Brantley was running a little behind for the Indians’ team picture on Tuesday. A little more than two weeks removed from right shoulder surgery, the outfielder was struggling to slide his belt through the loops of his pants, and laughing a little at himself in the process.

Tribe pitcher Josh Tomlin watched with an amused grin for a moment, but then stepped up and helped Brantley complete the task.

“What a great teammate, right?” said Brantley, whose right arm was in a large black sling. “Great teammate of the day award, so far.”

Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Twins, Brantley held court with reporters for the first time since the Aug. 15 biceps surgery that effectively ended his season. The left fielder spent the majority of this year attempting to come back from November surgery on his right shoulder, only to face a series of setbacks related to biceps tendinitis in the same arm.

Between the November and August operations, Brantley appeared in 11 games for the Indians, played 11 Minor League rehab games, consulted with five doctors, received two injections and underwent one minor procedure. His comeback started and stopped multiple times, because the biceps issue did not flare up until he built back up to the point of playing in games.

Asked if he felt any aspect of his comeback was mishandled, Brantley was emphatic in his reply.

“Not at all,” Brantley said. “I feel like I did everything in my power and so did the Cleveland organization. I felt great at times, and then at times I didn’t feel so well. It’s something that just happened. I’m not happy that it happened. I wanted to be out there and playing with my team, of …

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