Three Takeaways from the Indians All-Stars

1) Brantley Delivers

Before the season, some Indians fans questioned whether or not Michael Brantley was even worth retaining following consecutive injury-plagued seasons. Alas, the 31-year-old posted an incredible first half that featured a slash line of .308/.355/.493, 38 extra base hits and 56 RBI and earned himself a trip to the All-Star Game. Not only did he get there though, Brantley left Nationals’ Park doing two things none of his fellow Tribe All-Stars could; getting a hit and driving in a run.

After replacing Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in left field in the 6th inning, Brantley stepped to the plate in the top of the seventh and drilled a Felipe Vazquez pitch up the middle for a single. He’d eventually reach second base but was left stranded. Later, after a Scooter Gennett homer in the bottom of the ninth sent the game to extras, Brantley came to the plate in the top of the 10th and delivered a key insurance run on a sacrifice fly to left field. On the night, Brantley went 1-for-2 with the lone RBI. The other three Indians hitters went a combined 0-for-6 with two strikeouts.

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