The Astros transferred Brantley (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley has been on the shelf all season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, so this move to the 60-day IL doesn't affect his return date. There is still no timeline in place for Brantley to make his first appearance since June 2022, but he's reportedly been making steady progress since suffering a setback in May. Bligh Madris was selected from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill Brantley's spot on the 40-man roster.

Brantley (shoulder) took batting practice on the field prior to Saturday's game against Cincinnati, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley hasn't played since June 26 of last year as he recovers from shoulder surgery. He appeared close to a return in early May before suffering a setback, but he's back to making steady progress. The veteran outfielder remains without a clear return date, but the Astros could certainly use him, as they sit a disappointing 19th by team wRC+.

Brantley (shoulder) hit in the cage, ran the bases and made throws Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley is checking all the boxes as he again pushes toward his 2023 debut. He was shut down in early May due to inflammation in his surgically-repaired right shoulder after going 6-for-24 (.250) in nine rehab games with Triple-A Sugar Land. The 36-year-old could soon begin a new minor-league rehab assignment if his side work continues to go smoothly.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Brantley (shoulder) hit off a tee Thursday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley began taking dry swings last week, but this was the first time he put bat-to-ball since his setback in early May. The veteran has been out all season while recovering from August 2022 shoulder labrum surgery and there remains no timetable for his 2023 debut, but he at least seems to be on the right track again with his rehab.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Brantley (shoulder) has been swinging the bat, but hasn't resumed hitting yet, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley has been shut down since May 12 after it was revealed he was dealing with inflammation in his surgically repaired right shoulder. Because of the length of absence, it seems plausible the veteran will need another rehab assignment. At this point it would be a surprise if Brantley is back in the lineup for Houston before the start of June.

Brantley has inflammation in his surgically repaired shoulder, and the Astros are shutting him down for an indefinite period, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran outfielder was expected to return to the lineup this week, but Brantley was checked out in Houston on Wednesday after he reported continued soreness in his shoulder. There's no timeline for when he will be able to resume baseball activities, and it's possible the Astros will take the next stage of the 36-year-old's recovery with a lot more caution. Brantley has yet to play in 2023 after undergoing surgery on his shoulder last August.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday that Brantley (shoulder) returned to Houston for further testing after the veteran outfielder/designated hitter experienced renewed soreness while out on his rehab assignment, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros don't seem to think Brantley had a setback with his surgically-repaired right shoulder. Rather, Baker believes Brantley is simply "more sore than usual because he played a lot" during his rehab assignment. A better idea with regard to Brantley's potential return date should come once he gets checked out, but the hope is that he can rejoin the team this weekend. When he's activated could be another matter.

Astros managers Dusty Baker told reporters before Tuesday's game against the Angels that Brantley (shoulder) has stopped hitting, but that it's not a setback, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Baker also told reporters that Brantley is getting "really close" to returning to action, but he still isn't quite ready for a return. The 35-year-old has missed all of the 2023 campaign while recovering from shoulder surgery, and while the words from Baker are encouraging, it's still a curious development for a player that appeared to be closing in on a return this week. Brantley could still return over the weekend, but this latest development could mean there's a change in plans.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Brantley (shoulder) is with the team in Los Angeles after coming through his rehab fine, but he isn't quite ready to be activated off the 10-day injured list.

EDGE Analysis

Baker's exact words were that Brantley is "almost ready, but not quite ready." Brantley hasn't been able to play in 2023 while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder he underwent late last summer, but the fact he's been able to play in games with no reported issues is a positive development. If Brantley isn't activated for the series against the Angels, there's a very good chance he's ready to roll for the series against the White Sox in Chicago over the weekend.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters before Friday's game against the Mariners that Brantley (shoulder) could return to the lineup early next week against the Angels, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brantley has been rule out from returning over the weekend for the three-game set against the Mariners. The veteran outfielder has missed all of the 2023 campaign while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, and he should see regular playing time as the designated hitter with some stints in left field and first base as soon as he's back.