Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg hinted Friday that Brown (Achilles) may need to start the season on the disabled list, CSN Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury reports. Brown, who was diagnosed with moderate tendinitis in his left Achilles, hasn't played in a game since last Thursday. While he hasn't been ruled out for Opening Day, Brown will likely miss at least the first few games of the season. His absence would free up at-bats for some combination of Jordan Danks, Darin Ruf and Jeff Francoeur.