Milwaukee Brewers Roster News and Rumors 2016: Ryan Braun Admits He's Behind Schedule after Back Surgery
Slugger Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers was very optimistic after undergoing back surgery in the offseason, but he recently admitted that his expected recovery from it is behind schedule. This suggests that he may not be fully healthy and rehabilitated before the start of training camp. But the good news is, barring any major issues, he may actually be already available for Opening Day.
The 32-year-old outfielder went under the knife right after the end of the regular season to repair a herniated disc on his lower back. During the season, he hit .285 and produced decent numbers of 25 home runs and 84 RBIs. He actually is one of the three remaining veterans in the Brewers lineup after the front office decided to rebuild after the season. He will be sharing leadership roles with Khris Davis and Jonathan Lucroy. The latest to be let go is veteran shortstop Jean Segura, who the Brewers sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Unlike Lucroy, who publicly stated that he would want to play for a title contender instead of a rebuilding team, Braun is showing his loyalty to the club he played for since 2007. He recognizes the team is on a rebuilding phase and he's cool with it, even if his name keeps popping in trade rumors. If ever the Brewers decide to make him available in the trade market, a lot of teams will certainly be calling since he remains to be one of the most versatile players in the league right now.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Going back to the unexpected delay of his recovery, he refuses to believe he's way behind schedule, though. "I just got cleared to do rotational exercises about two weeks ago, so just started swinging a bat literally this last week, but so far so good," he said.
With only a few veterans left in the Milwaukee roster, the club is not expected to be that competitive next season. That is how the concept of rebuilding works in all of pro sports.
