Milwaukee Brewers star left fielder Ryan Braun is hoping to be back in the team’s lineup as the second half of the season picks up Thursday.
Braun is dealing with sore calf and quad muscles. The cause for the discomfort was discovered last Wednesday when an MRI revealed inflammation of a tendon behind the slugger’s left knee. Braun will not be able to play in this week’s All-Star game because of the injury, be he is still going to head to Phoenix to take part in the celebration.
While he’s certainly disappointed he won’t be playing Tuesday night, Braun does realize that producing during the regular season is his top priority.
"“I would like to think I’ll have the opportunity to go to a few more [All-Star Games], but you never know,” he said. “So you try to embrace every experience. It’s definitely disappointing. But at the same time, I’ve accepted it. I realize there’s nothing I can do about it at this point. I’m just trying to stay positive and get healthy.”"
The injury originated during a July 2nd contest against the Minnesota Twins. Braun was removed from the game after grounding out to short, apparently aggravating his left leg in the process. The Brewers originally tabbed Braun as day-to-day but that has now extended to the left fielder being expected to miss almost two weeks with the upcoming break.
Braun’s excellent first half earned him the most All-Star votes of any National League player. The 27 year has produced a line of .320/.402/.559 while holding the 8th best (.961) OPS in the league entering the break. Braun’s put up 16 home runs and 62 RBIs and has even contributed on the base paths, swiping 19 bags this season.
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