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

Casey Schmitt's versatility comes in handy for Giants in wake of Matt Chapman's IL stint. Plus Rooker gone for the year, Seager hurt again and Connelly Early's elbow is barking.
Jul 2 2026 8:50am
Emilio Pagán is back after his injury and Hunter Greene is not far behind. Plus playing time implications of the roster moves of L. Hicks, J. Peña, Pfaadt and more.
Jul 1 2026 9:06am
Esmerlyn Valdez is injecting himself into the Pirates OF; Matt Shaw to the IL; Athletics lose Jacob Wilson and Soderstrom; Teoscar Hernandez activated in LA; and more...
Jun 30 2026 7:58am
Weekend Injury activations include Chase DeLauter, Adley Rutschman, Dylan Beavers, Evan Carter and Jack Flaherty. We've got all the playing time implications.
Jun 29 2026 8:45am
A Jesus Sánchez ankle injury opens up some short-term playing time for Yohendrick Piñango; Teng cedes his roster spot to Javier; new pitcher injuries in Chicago, and more.
Jun 28 2026 9:14am

Tools