Braun back in Brewers' lineup vs Mets after missing 4 games

May 22, 2016 - 4:17 PM NEW YORK (AP) Ryan Braun is back in the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup after missing four games with a stiff back.

The left fielder is set to bat third Sunday as Milwaukee tries to prevent a three-game sweep by the New York Mets. Noah Syndergaard is scheduled to start for the defending NL champions.

Braun had back surgery in the offseason and the club has been cautious with his health. The 2011 NL MVP is batting .364 with seven homers and 28 RBIs in 35 games this season.

He felt better Saturday and ''was very positive'' on Sunday morning, according to manager Craig Counsell. Braun's return should be a boost to a struggling Brewers offense that's averaged only 2.9 runs while hitting .220 over the past 10 games.

''I think anytime you can put one of the better hitters in the league back in your lineup, you're happy about that, for sure,'' Counsell said.