Ryan Braun’s transition to first base is not exactly off to the smoothest start.
The former NL MVP aired out some concerns about the move on Saturday.
“It’s enjoyable taking ground balls for the first time in a long time,” said Braun, according to ESPN. “But it’s also stressful. I’ve never done it at all. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
“I definitely don’t feel comfortable at all,” continued the Milwaukee Brewers slugger. “I’m doing the best I can with it. Guys have to make sacrifices. I think ultimately if we want to get to where we want to get as a team, based on the roster we’ve put together, it obviously helps make us a better team if I’m able to play multiple positions.”
Braun also expressed some reservations about playing first base from a health perspective, pointing to his history of back issues.
“Generally, you’re putting your back in more vulnerable positions, which for me is a challenge,” he added. “My back is the biggest thing healthwise I’ve focused on for a few years now. … I think in the long run I have no doubt first base would be easier. But to this point, it’s definitely been a lot harder on my back than the outfield was, so we’ll see.”
Braun, 34, has been an outfielder his entire career (minus an ill-fitting tenure at third base as a rookie). However, he is making the switch to first this season to help accommodate Brewers offseason additions Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich. Braun has now made four starts at the position in Cactus League play.
The six-time All-Star spoke positively about the move when it was first brought up earlier in the winter. But these latest comments make you wonder if Braun may be in more of a timeshare at first base with Eric Thames while spending the rest of his time otherwise in his regular outfield comfort zone.
