MILWAUKEE -- Amidst rumors as the non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches, Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Braun were absent from the Brewers' lineup on Thursday against the D-backs. The moves, however, are not thought to be in regards to any possible trades occurring.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters that he gave Lucroy a scheduled off-day with a day game following a night contest at Miller Park. Braun was in the initial lineup, but he was scratched with right side tightness prior to first pitch.
Lucroy entered Thursday batting .300 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. His 2.8 WAR, according to Fangraphs, ranks third among all catchers. Braun's .321 average ranked fifth in the National League to go along with his 14 homers and .898 OPS.
Earlier in the day, MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi reported that trade talks regarding Lucroy "have intensified."