Ryan Braun says he's fine after rib-cage strain

PHOENIX -- A familiar problem popped up Saturday for Brewers All-Star outfielder Ryan Braun, who exited the team's Spring Training game with a rib-cage strain.

Braun's right side banged into the outfield wall during batting practice, and he felt some discomfort along his left side after that.

"Didn't feel right," manager Ron Roenicke said about Braun, who chased a foul ball in the top of the first inning in the afternoon game against the D-backs.

Braun exited as a precaution, and through a club spokesperson said he was "fine."

The Brewers' official report said Braun strained his intercostals, the small muscles between the ribs that have given him trouble in the past. It's a minor injury, but one that can linger for an indefinite period of time.

Braun was already scheduled to be off Sunday against the Royals.

The Brewers' All-Star right fielder, Corey Hart, has a similar injury to his left oblique, the large muscle along the outside of the ribs. Hart suffered his injury two weeks ago Saturday and has yet to swing a bat since.

Against the D-backs on Saturday, Braun was penciled into his usual three-hole and played the top of the first inning in left field without any apparent incident. Instead of batting in the bottom of the inning, Chris Dickerson took Braun's place.

It's been a very busy spring for the Brewers' athletic training staff. Besides Hart, starting catcher Jonathan Lucroy (fractured finger), likely Opening Day starter Zack Greinke (cracked rib) and reliever Manny Parra (back) are all unavailable, and second baseman Rickie Weeks has only been playing a couple of innings per day because of a tight groin.



(mlb.com)