Cleveland Indians: Who Is The Most Important To Return From Injury?

Optimism is high for the Cleveland Indians again in 2017 and with two key players returning, plenty of success should continue. However, which returning player will be more crucial for such success?

The Cleveland Indians will open as heavy favorites in the American League once spring training begins. After last year’s A.L. title and the addition of Edwin Encarnacion, there’s so much to be excited about.

But the success of 2017 hinges on the return to health of two key players: Michael Brantley and Danny Salazar.

Brantley’s injury essentially knocked him out for an entire year. Granted, it was also what allowed Jose Ramirez to earn enough at bats to have his break out season. 11 games and 43 plate appearances was all Brantley managed in 2016 due to a reconstructed shoulder that never recovered all the way.

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Brantley’s health will be critical to maintaining the type of lineup that Terry Francona will need to meet expectations. A healthy Brantley keeps Abraham Almonte as a superb fourth outfielder and gives better flexibility for the Brandon Guyer / Lonnie Chisenhall platoon in right field.

It also gives a high on base hitter in front of Encarnacion. Brantley’s all around performance at the plate is the perfect piece to add into last year’s lineup. With this year’s, it could be lethal.

Aside from anecdotal pieces, Brantley’s return to the line up is the best “addition” to the team overall. This is a player two years removed from finishing third in the A.L. MVP race. Brantley has also averaged 3.56 WAR per season since becoming a regular in 2011.

This is a player coming off back to back seasons over .850 OPS and 45 doubles. A healthy Brantley isn’t just an everyday left fielder. It’s an impact bat for an already potent lineup.

The other major bounce back player is Danny Salazar, who may actually be more important to this team than Brantley. We’ve discussed in the last week how the relative lack of depth in the starting rotation is a potential issue.

Look at the playoffs, where Corey Kluber was forced to pitch three games in the World Series. Between losing Carlos Carrasco, the Trevor Bauer drone incident, and a lack of other proven options, losing more of Salazar is something this team cannot afford.