Ryan Braun not concerned with becoming a target

HOUSTON -- Ryan Braun said he isn't reading into the number of times he's been hit with a pitch this season. The Brewers right fielder has been hit five times this season, already equaling his total for all of last season.

Braun leads the National League with nine homers since April 21.

"The better the hitter, usually you have to pitch him inside," Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said. "But you're going to hit guys when you pitch inside. The ball gets away from a guy and you're going to hit him. It's just one of those things."

Braun said that he gives no thought to the possibility that pitchers are throwing at him.

"I don't think about it in any way," Braun said. "It's completely irrelevant. It does happen. All good hitters have to be pitched inside. It's something I've always said. It's a part of the game."

Roenicke is more concerned about injury to his slugging outfielder.

"But what it does is, where it hits you, you're not going to be the same," Roenicke said. "I don't care what kind of padding you have on, it still hurts. There's still swelling there. He's getting hit in the elbow, he's getting hit in the back. So physically, it definitely affects you.

"Look at Rickie [Weeks]. Rickie gets hit on the hand -- Rickie's about as tough as it comes -- and he missed three games because of it."


(mlb.com)