The Houston Astros have activated slugger Michael Brantley off the injured list in time for the home stretch for the MLB season. Brantley hadn’t played since June of last season after tearing his labrum and needing surgery on his right shoulder.
Brantley is being welcomed back just as the Astros prepare to gear up for the run in the MLB Playoffs.
The Astros have a 76-58 record and are in a three-way tie for first place in the American League West with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.
In his return to action versus the Boston Red Sox, Brantley was 0-for-4 at the plate and grounded out into double play while the Astros won 6-2. The fact that he was able to get through the entire game with no setbacks is a great sign for the Astros moving forward.
At 36 years old, Brantley is still one of the best contact hitters in the MLB. He has posted no less than a .288 batting average in each of his last six seasons dating back to 2017.
Talent has never been a question for the five-time All-Star but durability has been a concern throughout his career. Since 2016, he has missed at least 41 games in five of his past eight seasons.
The Astros are certainly happy to have their starting left fielder back in the mix. The race for the AL West is heating up with only 28 games remaining for Houston.
