Braun nursing injury

MIAMI -- Add two more Team USA players who project to be out for the remainder of Round 2 at Dolphin Stadium.

Reliever Matt Lindstrom of the Marlins underwent an MRI exam on Monday and has a strained right rotator cuff. He has been advised not to throw for seven to 10 days. Left fielder Ryan Braun of the Brewers is sidelined by tightness on his right side.

Braun is dealing with tightness on his right side. It's not considered serious but, erring on the side of caution, Team USA manager Davey Johnson will not use the All-Star outfielder in Tuesday night's elimination game against Puerto Rico.

Team USA needs to win on Tuesday to advance. If they do, Johnson noted that Braun would probably not be available on Wednesday, when the U.S. would play Venezuela to determine the seeding for the semifinal game in Los Angeles.

Both players experienced discomfort in Sunday night's 9-3 win over the Netherlands.

They join a growing list of Team USA players dealing with injuries. On Sunday, Chipper Jones left the club with a right oblique strain. On Saturday, Dustin Pedroia was placed on the disabled list with a left oblique strain.
Mounting injuries is the biggest fear of the Classic.

"That's the one conversation from Day 1 that I told this group. I don't want anybody being a hero," Johnson said on Monday afternoon during Team USA's workout at Dolphin Stadium. "If you have anything slightly bothering you, I want to know about it. I don't want any heroes here. Don't go out there with a chance to injure yourself in any way, shape or form."

Because Braun's injury apparently is similar to the one that dogged him during the second half of 2008, Brewers officials considered bringing Braun back to Phoenix for a visit with team doctors.

Instead, he will remain in Miami, where Marlins doctors have been busy with a number of injured U.S. players.

Officials from Team USA suggested that Braun undergo an MRI exam. After consulting with the Brewers, he will simply rest and rehab for now.

"His comment was, 'If I was feeling like it was something serious, I'd be glad to take an MRI.' I don't feel it's serious," Johnson said of his conversation with Braun. "We can't force him to do anything, but he feels like he's going to be fine."

Braun initially wanted Johnson to "keep an open mind" and make a determination at game time if the slugger could play.

"I said, 'I know ballplayers and you remind me of myself. I know you're lying to me,'" Johnson said. "I also got word from the Brewers that he might not be honest with how he feels. So we will definitely err on the side of caution."

Dealing with players who are determined to play and hide ailments is part of the challenge for Johnson and his staff.

mlb.com)