Braun doesn't travel with team - Sore Achilles tendon keeps slugger from making Tucson trip

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Ryan Braun's right Achilles tendon kept him from joining his teammates on the two-hour bus trip from Phoenix to Tucson Electric Park.

Manager Ned Yost decided to make Thursday a day off for Braun, who had been scheduled to have Friday off.

"He won't get Friday off now," Yost said. "He had a little stiffness in his Achilles and we banged him [Wednesday]. He feels better today; he feels a lot better today. He'll be ready to go tomorrow."

But the 24-year-old Braun, NL Rookie of the Year last season, will be at the ballpark on Thursday, though he won't be sitting on the bench with his Brewers teammates.

He has a photo shoot scheduled with Sports Illustrated, and he's supposed to be one of the rising stars featured on the cover of the magazine's baseball preview.

"He said he had a cover shot," Yost said. "That's why he's coming up here -- to do it."

Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton and Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will also be in the photo shot with Braun. Both play with clubs that train in Tucson.

(mlb.com)