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Indians news and notes: No issues so far for Cleveland Indians slugger Michael Brantley

Morning news and notes for March 21, 2016.

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

We are nearing the final run for Spring Training and holy smokes am I excited for opening day.  If only I could bottle these positive vibes up and break them out during a tough losing streak in the dog days of summer when I am absolutely taking baseball for granted.

Indians 3, Mariners 1

Ramirez powers Tribe in victory over Mariners | Indians.com

Jose Ramirez has had a strong Spring Training, hitting .395, and stayed hot by belting two home runs in the Indians win on Sunday.  JRam hit both the homers from the right-side and also drew a walk.

TJ House also had a good day, throwing four innings of scoreless baseball.

Carlos Carrasco is expected to get tomorrow's start against the White Sox.

Tribe News

No post-debut issues for Brantley after return | Indians.com

Brantley went 1-for-3 with a home run in his first Spring Training game for the Tribe.  From Jordan Bastian:

During Michael Brantley's ongoing comeback from November surgery on his right shoulder, Indians hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo has kept a close eye on the left fielder's swing, especially when it comes to the follow through after contact. From Day 1 in the batting cage to Saturday's Cactus League debut, Van Burkleo has seen a strong, stable swing.

Van Burkleo thought Brantley's swings in Saturday's 10-5 win over the Cubs looked great.

"He's had no pain, which is key," Van Burkleo said. "The first pitch he sees, he hits 405 feet. Two at- bats later, he hits a homer off a 97-mph fastball. You've got to be pretty encouraged with that."

Indians manager Terry Francona noted that Brantley felt some "normal first-game soreness" on Sunday, but was scheduled to return to the field for Monday's home game against the White Sox.

Notes on Jose Ramirez, Marlon Byrd from Terry Pluto | Cleveland.com

Pluto offers plenty of positive thoughts on Ramirez and discusses Marlon Byrd's first action for the Tribe.

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