PT TOMORROW: AL West—A disconnect in HOU?

Houston Astros

Michael Brantley's (DH/OF, HOU) IL return timeline continues to be pushed back. The word this past week is that Brantley is now targeting early/mid-May for his 2023 MLB debut following rehab from surgery on his right labrum last August. It's a front-shoulder hitting injury that has kept hitters from rebounding quickly; see teammate Jake Meyers, who is still looking for his pre-surgery profile and power. And even though Brantley's power is long gone, an accelerated recovery from this type of injury at age 36 always seemed dubious. Along with his return date, Brantley's hit tool—88% ct%, .288 BA last year before the injury; career 88% ct%, .298 BA—is at least in question.

In Brantley's absence, Mgr Dusty Baker has rotated...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

If JJ Wetherholt can't hang on to the leadoff spot who steps up in St. Louis?
Mar 20 2026 3:07am
Has White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci raised his profile by playing for Team Italy in the WBC? Plus, updates on the CLE rotation, Jace Jung's good spring in DET, lack of SP depth in KC, and Bailey Ober's velocity concerns in MIN.
Mar 19 2026 3:05am
As spring training comes to an end, the A's rotation appears to be rounding into form.
Mar 18 2026 3:07am
First base in Miami has been a hard position to rule for years, but a few players are vying for the crown. Plus: Riley in ATL; RF at NYM; CF in PHI; Littell in WAS; more.
Mar 17 2026 3:07am
Carson Williams has been staking his claim to the starting shortstop job for Tampa Bay, plus more from around the AL East as camps wind down.
Mar 17 2026 3:05am

Tools