MLB Winter Meetings 2015: Indians Confirm Timetable for Brantley's Return as 5-6 Months

NASHVILLE - While the Indians look to add to their roster at the 2015 MLB Winter Meetings, there's been a lot of rumblings on twitter that outfielder Michael Brantley may be missing more time from his shoulder surgery than first thought.
When the team first announced the shoulder surgery back November 9th, the team stated that the outfielder would be 'ready for game activity in 5-6 months,' putting him on the field close to or by the season opener on April 4th.
Then people started to rumor that the outfielder may not return till August, a rumor the Indians put to bed Monday.
UPDATE: Michael Brantley is on track in his recovery from shoulder surgery. No change at this point from the original return estimate.
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) December 7, 2015
Having Brantley to the Indians lineup is huge, as he's a vital part to the teams success, and last season hit .310 last season in 137 games, hitting 15 homers and driving in 84 runs.
It would be a massive blow to have him miss over half the season, but for now it's not a concern as the team states he is still on track for it to be a 5-6 month recovery.

Matt Loede has been a part of the Cleveland Sports Media for 26 years, with experience covering Major League Baseball, the NBA & NFL and even high school and college events. He has been a part of the daily media covering the Cleveland Indians since the opening of Jacobs/Progressive Field in 1994, and spent two and a half years covering the team for 92.3FM The Fan, and covers them daily for Associated Press Radio. You can follow Matt on Twitter @MattLoede
Follow MattLoede