Indians' Michael Brantley: Absent from Friday lineup

Brantley is not in the Indians' Cactus League lineup Friday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis:

No reason for concern was reported, so Cleveland likely is taking it easy with Brantley, who's 3-for-9 through his first three spring games following his debut earlier in the week. Getting him a bit more rest late in spring training and possibly earlier in the year is prudent management as he returns from his shoulder rehab. It may limit his value early in 2017, but his potential of returning to MVP-candidate-caliber form is increasing his fantasy draft stock.