Roenicke expects Gomez back for Friday's opener

MILWAUKEE -- Carlos Gomez took batting practice Thursday, but Brewers team trainers advised manager Ron Roenicke not to let him play in the series finale against the Cubs.

Gomez, who took dry swings Wednesday, has felt better every day since spraining his left shoulder Sunday against the Braves.

"Trainers really didn't want him to start today, so it wasn't really me trying to give him an extra day," Roenicke said. "So today, if everything goes well in the cage, they're going to let me know how much he's available, whether it's defense, pinch-running or pinch-hitting."

Will Gomez be in the starting lineup when Milwaukee starts a seven-game road trip Friday in Pittsburgh?

"I think that's what the plan is," said Roenicke. "And then we'll see how he does."

Gomez injured his shoulder making an acrobatic catch on an Andrelton Simmons' fly ball Sunday. He fell back awkwardly, pinning his left arm against the center-field wall, and said his shoulder popped out and back in.