Baseball notes: Ryan Braun leaves Brewers’ opener with muscle strain

Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun left the season opener against Colorado on Monday because of a muscle strain on his right side.

The injury occurred in the fourth inning when Braun crashed into the right-field wall while catching Justin Morneau’s drive. Braun was replaced by Gerardo Parra with the Rockies leading 10-0. The 2011 National League MVP was limited by a thumb injury much of last season.

Royals’ Ventura exits

Kansas City ace Yordano Ventura left the Royals’ opener against the Chicago White Sox in the seventh inning because of a cramp in his right thumb. It was a scary moment for the team when the young ace crumpled to the ground in pain days after agreeing to a five-year, $23-million, five-year deal. But the team said the injury did not appear serious. Ventura got the win in Kansas City’s 10-1 victory.

Mets closer hurting

New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia’s pitching elbow tightened while he was warming up, so he did not pitch against the Washington Nationals on opening day. Jerry Blevins and Buddy Carlyle pitched the ninth instead, with Carlyle retiring two batters for his first career save. Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson said Mejia, who had 28 saves last season, could have an MRI exam Tuesday.

Etc.

The Miami Marlins’ season opener against the Atlanta Braves was halted for 16 minutes because of rain — a first at 3-year-old Marlins Park, which has a retractable roof. . . . The Texas Rangers signed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league contract and assigned him to triple-A Round Rock, three days after Atlanta released the 36-year-old left-hander.