Braun sits due to Achilles tightness
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun has been playing since the early days of the season with a tight right Achilles tendon, which flares up on occasion.
One of those occasions was Thursday night, when Braun was withheld from the lineup for the series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a game Milwaukee won 6-2. Manager Ron Roenicke said Braun began feeling tightness in the heel the previous night after a hard slide into second base.
It's doubtful that the Achilles tightness will go away completely as long as Braun tries to keep playing without a long rest, but Roenicke said Braun often goes for several games without complaint.
"He tells me at times that it's real good," Roenicke said. "He'll say it feels real good, and he'll steal a base. I think some of the slides get him. He slid late into second base (Wednesday) night and said he felt it."
Roenicke said Braun would continue to be monitored closely but doesn't expect his star left fielder to miss much time with the ailment. However, the manager did caution Braun about staying on top of the situation.
"You need to feel like you're making progress (with the ailment). If not, you need to change something," Roenicke said.
The Brewers were just happy to have Braun's services in 48 out of their first 50 games. Had he not successfully appealed a 50-game suspension for a positive drug test before the season, he would not have been eligible to play before Thursday.
