LF Braun sits for Brewers

Aug 10, 2008 - 5:51 PM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Milwaukee Brewers All-Star left fielder Ryan Braun was not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals due to tightness in his lower back.

Braun never has experienced back problems during his major league career, but was forced to leave Saturday's contest in the third inning.

"It's stiffness in his back," Milwaukee manager Ned Yost said. "He's just day-to-day. He didn't pull anything; it's just some tightness. In his first at-bat (Saturday), he swung at a curveball, fouled it off and felt it tighten up on him."

Losing Braun for an extended period of time would be a blow the Brewers, who have won four in a row to close within four games of first-place Chicago in the National League Central Division.

Braun is batting .300 while leading the Brewers in home runs (30) and RBI (84). Gape Kapler will replace him in left field for Sunday's game.