Brantley faces another setback on road to recovery

The American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians won't have All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley back in their lineup any time soon after the 29-year-old experienced a setback during his injury rehab.

After feeling continued discomfort in his surgically repaired right shoulder earlier this week, Brantley was re-examined Tuesday by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas, where he received a cortisone shot and was diagnosed with right biceps tendinitis.

Although the news isn't good, the Indians, who were reportedly worried Brantley would miss significant time earlier this month, are relieved with the diagnosis, according to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com.

"We are focused on working with Michael to help him get to the point where he's not only healthy, but strong enough to make a meaningful impact on the balance of our season," team president Chris Antonetti said of his ailing outfielder to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports on June 6.

Brantley began the year on the DL while recovering from offseason surgery to repair a tear in his left shoulder and has only managed to appear in 11 games for the Indians this season, hitting .231/.279/.282 with 7 RBIs.

Cleveland has had a difficult time maintaining a steady outfield rotation throughout the year with the injury to Brantley, as well as suspensions handed out to Abraham Almonte (80 games) and Marlon Byrd (162) for PED violations.

Brantley contributed to the Indians offense in a big way over the past two seasons and was a contender for the American League MVP in 2014 after hitting .327/.385/.506 with 20 home runs, 45 doubles and 97 RBIs.