PLAYING TIME: Braun's Reprieve and the MIL OF Picture

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Braun's suspension overturned

Ryan Braun's (OF, MIL) 50-game PED suspension was reversed on appeal, restoring his fulltime status. Braun's presence impacts the competition for OF playing time in MIL. Japanese import Nori Aoki (OF, MIL), a contact hitter with little power and average speed, loomed as the likely replacement had Braun's suspension been upheld.

With Braun in the lineup, Aoki could eventually challenge Nyjer Morgan (OF, MIL) for the CF job. Morgan is coming off a .304-BA campaign that was driven by an elevated 37% hit rate and impressive 26% LD%. While Morgan is likely to open the season as the starter, Aoki provides an alternative if Morgan reverts to his 2010 form (.253 BA/.258 xBA).

Aoki also...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Thomas Saggese may be taking a lead in the Cards' LF scrum. Deyvison de los Santos is returning to the Marlins, Robert Stephenson's season is over, and more...
Apr 10 2026 7:59am
Both CF Jake Meyers and RHP Cristian Javier exited Wednesday's game with what looks like significant injuries; who will fill in? Plus notes around missed time for Zach Eflin, Addison Barger, Shane Smith and more.
Apr 9 2026 8:54am
The news was not good on Cade Horton, who will miss the rest of the season, and Hunter Brown, who is out for an extended time. Plus more IL moves for Carlos Santana, Austin Hays and Gabriel Arias.
Apr 8 2026 8:48am
Mets lose Juan Soto for at least a couple of weeks; a bunch of rotations churning already; and more...
Apr 7 2026 7:46am
The Astros and Dodgers have to account for star-level injuries as both RHP Hunter Brown and SS Mookie Betts are slated to miss time.
Apr 6 2026 8:25am

Tools