Injured Houston Astros Star Begins Rehab Assignment

It's been a long recovery period for Michael Brantley after undergoing shoulder surgery in August 2022 that ended his season last year.

The Houston Astros' former star outfielder was rehabbing in the minors earlier this season before suffering a setback nine games into his rehab stint during May.

It was originally stated that he was going to be shutdown for "an indefinite time" after suffering the setback.

Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports that Brantley will begin his minor league rehab stint with the Triple-A affiliate on Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see how they use him. Most likely he'll get reps in the outfield to see how his surgically repaired shoulder is reacting to throwing the baseball in a live setting again. The question is if he'll be able to play the field if he's healthy enough to make the Astros' major league roster this season.

With a crowded outfield as it is, Brantley would probably be used more in the designated hitter role. However, Yordan Alvarez has taken over that every day spot as he also is recovering from his injury.

Talking about Brantley making it to the major league roster this season might be jumping the gun a little bit though.

He only played nine games this season back in May where he put up .250/.459/.333 with zero home runs and five RBI at Triple-A.

The lefty slugger is getting paid $12 million this season so they'll likely try and find a spot for him on the roster. He has been a staple of the organization during their division dominance and postseason runs.

If his rehab assignment goes well, Brantley will likely be back in the major leagues this season.