PHOENIX -- Ryan Braun returned this week to resume his quest to become the fourth young player to start in the Brewers' infield.

The 23-year-old third baseman served as the DH "A" and "B" games Monday against Texas and went 2 for 4 in the first game. He was hitting around .500 and returned to the field during the late innings of a game Wednesday afternoon.

Braun drove in seven runs in the Cactus League opener and homered in the second game, but then went nine days without playing because of tenderness in his right elbow. That set him back in his attempt to jump from Class AA to the big leagues.

"It felt good to get some at-bats again," said Braun, the Brewers' top pick in the 2005 first-year-player draft and the organization's Minor League Player of the Year last season.

"I've also started throwing and my elbow feels good. I'm looking forward to getting back into the field, too."

Braun's weakness is defense. He made two errors in his first two games. The Brewers are a little hesitant to go with an infield that includes Braun, Rickie Weeks, who struggled defensively in the first half of last season, and Prince Fielder, who lacks mobility at first base.

But, with Corey Koskie's status still uncertain because of lingering effects from a concussion last season, it looks like Braun, or a combination of Tony Graffanino and Craig Counsell, both veteran utility players, at third base.

"Obviously, I'm aware of the situation," Braun said. "All I can do is go out and play as well as I can. If the opportunity is there to play, I will try to take advantage of it. If not, I'll just keep working hard until the chance does come."

Miller set to return: Another player, at the opposite end of the career timeline, also is looking forward to returning to action. Catcher Damian Miller, the West Salem native, strained his calf in an intrasquad game and has not played in a Cactus League game. Miller is swinging a bat and hoped to get into a game this weekend.

"It's amazing how a calf injury can hamper baseball activities, but I am feeling better and looking forward to getting starter," Miller said. "I only need 15 to 20 at-bats to be ready at the plate and a few games to get ready to catch."

Miller will serve as a backup to Johnny Estrada this season. "A first, it was tough to take that I would not be starting like I have for the last 10 years," Miller said. "But, I think it actually could prolong my career. I wanted to stay with the organization because I think good things are going to happen. I told Ned (Yost) and Doug (Melvin) that whatever they need from me, I will be ready."

In sync: Estrada has been the Brewers' hottest hitter this spring and also is appreciated behind the plate by one of the projected starting pitchers, Claudio Vargas. Both played with Arizona last season and came to Milwaukee in an off-season trade.

"It helps that we know each other," Vargas said this week. "He's a good guy and good to work with. I've also heard good things about Damian and look forward to working with him."

On track: Closer Francisco Cordero made his second appearance Monday and despite an error and walk escaped the inning unscathed.

"I feel good," Cordero said. "We're going slow just because I had some problems last spring, but this spring my arm feels strong and I think I'm on the right track to get ready for Opening Day."

Cordero said the Brewers' bullpen looks strong with Matt Wise, Derrick Turnbow, Brian Shouse and Jose Capellan returning as middle relief and setup men.

Busy guy: Because of injuries to Miller, Braun and, earlier in the camp Prince Fielder, Vinny Rottino has more at-bats than any other Brewer this spring. But, the Racine native and former UW-La Crosse player might not make the team.

If everybody is healthy, the utility player would either have to make the club as a third catcher or extra infielder. "I am enjoying the playing time, and all I can do is perform as well as possible," Rottino said. "Then, we'll have to see what happens."

Hunting for Huntsville: Former UW-Milwaukee star Ben Stanczyk is starting his fourth season in the Brewers' minor league system and hopes to reach Class AA this year. Stanczyk was the Horizon League Player and Pitcher of the Year in 2004 and a two-time all-star for the La Crosse Loggers in the Northwoods League.

"UWM gave me the chance to play in the Northwoods League and what I was able to do with the Loggers gave me the chance to sign a pro contract," Stanczyk said. "To play pro baseball, no matter what level I reach, has been a dream come true, especially for the organization I grew up with."

Yohannis Perez, the Cuban refugee who signed with the Brewers, was sent to the minor league camp. Perez, who played shortstop in the Cuban National League from 1999-2004, established residency in the Dominican Republic and was declared a free agent by Major League Baseball. The Brewers signed him last October.

Perez played in seven games for the Brewers and hit .267 before he was sent to the minors.

Short hops: The Brewers will likely make some additional roster moves this weekend or early next week ... The last Cactus League matchup between the Brewers and Cubs will be held at Monday at Maryvale Baseball Park. The next time the two I-94 rivals meet will be April 6-8 at Miller Park.