Braun better but still out with back spasms

SAN FRANCISCO -- Despite enduring an uncomfortable day of back spasms and multiple sessions of treatment in the training room, Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun downplayed the issue that cost him a second consecutive start Tuesday.

"I've had back spasms before," said Braun, who suddenly locked up during batting practice Monday evening. "I think it's a pretty common thing playing baseball, but 31 [years old] is not the same as 25. Sometimes little things can throw the body off, whether it's flying or different beds, all the little things that come up during a season."

Braun, the Brewers' leader with 18 home runs and 61 RBIs, has dealt with periodic back trouble throughout his career. He was a late scratch Monday night.

"A little better today, which is good," Braun said Tuesday. "I'm trending in the right direction. I've been getting treatment all day, multiple times, and hope it gets better as quickly as possible.

"I didn't feel anything until [batting practice] yesterday. I was taking BP, took a swing and felt my back kind of grab on me. It locked up and I've been in back spasms since. ... Knock on wood, it's relatively minor. Hopefully, with as much treatment as we can, we'll get it to unlock and stop spasming, and I can get back in there."