Indians' Brantley has chronic biceps tendinitis symptoms

WASHINGTON (AP) Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley has had another setback following right shoulder surgery, and his ability to return this season is in doubt.

Brantley saw a specialist and the team said he has symptoms consistent with chronic biceps tendinitis. He experienced a recurrence of shoulder problems while working through hitting activities last week.

Brantley saw Dr. Stephen O'Brien at the Hospital of Special Surgery in New York, the Indians said. Manager Terry Francona doesn't have a clear idea on what it all means for Brantley.

''We'll reconvene and let the medical people put their heads together and see what the next step should be,'' Francona said before Cleveland's series opener against the Washington Nationals. ''The most important thing is to get to the bottom of it and whatever needs to be done, we will. We should know something here pretty soon, I'm guessing.''

Francona wasn't ready to rule out Brantley returning this season, adding that the focus is on the 29-year-old's long-term health and peace of mind.

Brantley has been on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation since May 10. He has appeared in only 11 games this season after undergoing surgery in November

''He's tried so hard,'' Francona said. ''Talk about a long year for a guy that's got a handful of at-bats. He has worked so hard and just keeps getting to that point and something comes up. For his sake, would really like to get to the bottom of it.''

Brantley hit .327 in 2014 and .310 last season, leading the American League in doubles in 2015. He's signed through 2017 with a 2018 team option.