MILWAUKEE — All-star left-fielder Ryan Braun was pulled from the Brewers' game against Washington last night because of tightness in his lower back.

Braun was replaced by pinch-hitter Gabe Kapler in the bottom of the third inning. There was no immediate word on the seriousness of the injury.

Braun struck out in the first inning, spiking his helmet into the ground as Ray Durham was thrown out at second attempting to steal for a double play. He did make any plays in the outfield.

Braun is batting .300 with a team-high 30 home runs and 84 RBIs in 114 games.

He has had one of the best starts to a career in major league history. In 227 games since making his debut on May 25, 2007, Braun is first in the majors with 558 total bases, 133 extra-base hits, second with 64 home runs and tied for second with 181 RBI.

His 64 home runs ties him for sixth with Mark Teixeira for the most home runs after two seasons in big league history. The first five are Joe DiMaggio (75), Ralph Kiner (74), Eddie Mathews (72), Albert Pujols (71) and Frank Robinson (67).