Indians lose Brantley to season-ending hand surgery

CLEVELAND (Reuters) - The Cleveland Indians will lose Michael Brantley for the rest of the season after it was announced Sunday that the young outfielder will need surgery to repair a broken bone in his right hand.

Brantley had been playing through pain in the hand for some time before he was placed on the disabled list Friday. Further examination revealed he will need surgery that will require six to nine weeks of recovery time.

The 24-year-old Brantley is batting .266 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs in 114 games this season.

The Indians currently trail the first-place Detroit Tigers by 6.5 games in their push to make the playoffs.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Ian Ransom)