Brewers star Braun won't play until 3rd week of spring games

PHOENIX — Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun won't make his spring training debut until the third week of games as he recovers from back surgery last October.

Braun is still expected to be ready for opening day.

Manager Craig Counsell had said the team was targeting the second week of spring games for Braun. But he told the Brewers' television crew during an in-game interview Monday that while the slugger is responding well to his activities, he won't play quite that soon.

Braun is switching back to left field this year after a stint in right.

Braun had the surgery to relieve a bulging disk in his lower back. He hit .285 in 2015, with 25 home runs and 84 RBIs.