Brewers manager Craig Counsell, being extra cautious, said on Monday that outfielder Ryan Braun won’t return until the third week of spring training games, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy reports. The club was hoping to have him make his spring debut a week earlier, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Braun, 32, underwent back surgery in October, but he is expected to be ready to go by Opening Day. During the offseason, the Brewers moved Braun back to left field from right field following the trade of Khris Davis to the Athletics.
Braun had a productive 2015 campaign, hitting .285/.356/.498 with 25 home runs and 84 RBI. He’s under contract through at least 2020, but the rebuilding Brewers could try to trade Braun if he’s healthy and productive this season.