PHOENIX – Ryan Braun led all National League players in fan ballotting but won't participate in the All-Star Game Tuesday due to a nagging left calf injury.

After receiving 5,928,004 votes – the most ever recorded for fan balloting – Braun wanted to show his appreciation to the fans who voted for him by coming to Phoenix and participating in the other activities that go along with the Mid-Summer Classic, including cheering on his teammates.

"Plus, it's still cool to be here around these guys," Braun said, referring to his National League teammates.

He did take some batting practice Monday and did some running, under the watchful eye of Brewers trainer Dan Wright, who is working on Bruce Bochy's National League staff.

Braun reported no discomfort afterwards and indicated he's still on track to return to action Thursday, when the Brewers open the second half in Colorado.

"I'm planning on Thursday," said Braun, who missed the last eight games of the first half because of the injury.