NewsOutfielders leave game in sixth inning
Braun 'fine' but Cameron's left knee tendinitis flares up
By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com
06/02/09 12:52 AM ET
MIAMI -- The Brewers lost the lead and their starting center fielder in the sixth inning of Monday's 7-4 loss to the Marlins, when Mike Cameron exited with a flare-up of tendinitis in his left knee. Left fielder Ryan Braun exited later in the same inning, but manager Ken Macha insisted that move was a simple double-switch. Braun, the manager said, was "fine." Cameron, though, will be re-examined on Tuesday before the Brewers continue their four-game series at Land Shark Stadium. The 36-year-old missed a handful of games last season with a similar injury. "It sparked up more than normal in the outfield," Cameron said. "It 'pressurized' more than normal. It's something I can deal with. I just irritated it pretty good." The official diagnosis from the team was that Cameron suffered left knee irritation. Macha stopped by Cameron's locker to see if he would need a day off, and the outfielder said he would wait until Tuesday to make the call. The weather could play into Cameron's decision. It rained throughout the afternoon and the early innings on Monday, making for slick conditions on the field. If Cameron is unable to play, Macha would probably start Jody Gerut in center field, though Gerut went 0-for-2 on Monday and is 1-for-11 since a trade from San Diego to Milwaukee. The Brewers' other reserve outfielder is Frank Catalanotto, but he plays the corners. Braun, meanwhile, was not available in the clubhouse for at least an hour after the game. He was struck on the left foot by a foul tip during his at-bat in the top of the sixth inning and television cameras caught him hunched over between pitches when he took the field in the bottom of the frame. Catalanotto replaced Braun as part of a double-switch that positioned reliever Todd Coffey to work multiple innings if he could be efficient with his pitches.Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
