HOUSTON -- Michael Brantley is out of the lineup for the second straight day due to lower back stiffness as the Indians wrap up their opening series against Houston on Thursday.
Brantley will be reevaluated Friday morning before the home opener against Detroit. This marks the first time since last June that Brantley has missed two straight games during the regular season.
"He's OK, a little stiff," manager Terry Francona said. "We'll get more clarity tomorrow morning. The doctors have all looked at him and they think they've got a beat on it. It just keeps acting up. The more information we get the better."
The All-Star outfielder dealt with the same issue throughout spring training. He was limited the first couple days and also missed five games in late March. Brantley thought he had the back problems solved until Wednesday when it started to bother him again.
David Murphy will get the start in left with Yan Gomes being the designated hitter and Roberto Perez getting his first start of the season at catcher.
