Ryan Braun sent for MRI on nagging calf injury - MLB

Ryan Braun was sent for an MRI on his nagging left calf injury today, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Braun has been sidelined since leaving Saturday’s game against the Twins. He was originally expected to return to the lineup last night, but felt more soreness after participating in batting practice.

While there’s still a chance that Braun could play during the team’s upcoming series against the Reds, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke indicated that he could require an extended absence.

“It’s still there so he’s going to see (team physician William) Raasch,” said Roenicke. “We’re going to check it out and make sure that everything is OK. It may be a couple more days. (Trainer) Roger (Caplinger) still doesn’t think it’s anything big. But sometimes it goes on longer than we expect.”

Braun was the leading vote-getter for the National League, but Roenicke would prefer the All-Star Game is not his first game back from the injury.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.