Nori

Aoki

The multi-hit game was just Aoki’s second of the spring, while the extra-base hit was also only his second. Ticketed for a reserve role, Aoki isn’t worth a draft pick outside of deeper NL-only leagues.

Norichika Aoki will make the start in center field and bat second against right-hander Lucas Harrell. Morgan is batting just .119 (5-for-42) on the young season, so Aoki could continue to get looks if the struggles continue.

Aoki finished the memorable evening 2-for-4 with the homer, a double and a pair of runs scored. He’s now hitting .357 (5-for-14) in his limited action, and could be in line for more playing time with Nyjer Morgan struggling.

The injury isn’t considered serious, so Braun figures to return to the lineup Thursday. Norichika Aoki is starting in his place Wednesday.

Just a day off for Braun, who is batting .350 (7-for-20) with a homer on the young season. Norichika Aoki will make the start in left field and bat leadoff against right-hander Ryan Dempster.

Aoki’s only other start was on April 11 in left field. The 30-year-old is 3-for-10 with an RBI and two walks thus far and is unlikely to have much fantasy value buried on the outfield depth chart.

Tom ‏Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel wrote that Hart has a “good chance” of opening the year on the disabled list. Hart will definitely miss most -- and probably all -- of the Cactus League schedule, which could mean a rehab assignment out of the gate to get his timing back. Hart, 29, batted .285/.356/.510 with 26 home runs and 63 RBI last season for Milwaukee. Norichika Aoki could start in Hart’s absence, or the Brewers could opt for a defensive-first alignment and play the center field tandem of Nyjer Morgan and Carlos Gomez together.

Aoki is ticketed for a reserve role, but making a case for more playing time. He’s now batting .313 this spring with three steals in 48 plate appearances. His only RBI was a solo shot off Clayton Kershaw in the third inning.

The Brewers have a shortage of outfield options with Carlos Gomez (hamstring) considered day-to-day and facing a possible DL stint. Braun is currently dealing with a sore right Achilles. Norichika Aoki is starting in center field and batting leadoff.

The Brewers are calling the discomfort “mild” and expect Aoki to be fine in a couple of days. The Japanese outfielder has shown enough this spring to secure a backup job.