Norichika Aoki is back in the Brewers' lineup Thursday. Aoki missed the last two contests with a tight left (non-throwing) elbow. He's back in his customary leadoff spot and in right field against the D'Backs.

According to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, the Rangers have checked in with the Brewers about Norichika Aoki. Texas has also been expressing interest in Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo. Aoki is less likely to be moved because of his team-friendly contract, but an attractive offer can always sway a front office. The 31-year-old from Japan has hit .292/.359/.411 with 14 home runs and 40 stolen bases in his first 235 major league games. He's making $1.25 million this year and carries a $1.5 million club option for the 2014 season.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said that Norichika Aoki (elbow) will likely return to the starting lineup Thursday. Aoki was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to tightness in his left (non-throwing) elbow and will get another day to recuperate. It doesn't sound like a major concern.

Norichika Aoki was scratched from the Brewers' lineup Tuesday due to tightness in left left elbow. It's his non-throwing elbow, so there shouldn't be too much concern. Consider Aoki day-to-day for the time being. Logan Schafer is taking his spot in right field.

Norichika Aoki went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI in Wednesday's win over the Nationals. All of Aoki's hits were singles, as his base knock in the fifth scoring a pair of runs. Aoki had been going through a bit of a lull, but his average is back up to .290 after picking up six hits in the first three games against the Nats.

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports that Norichika Aoki can become a free agent after the 2014 season. The Brewers signed Aoki to a two-year, $2.25 million deal with a $1.5 million club option for 2014 prior to the 2012 season, but the assumption had been that he would remain under team control as an arbitration-eligible player 2015-17. However, McCalvy was told otherwise by both Aoki's agent, Nez Balelo and Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash. With the Brewers out of contention, this could push the club to see what they could get in return for him leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Brewers activated OF Norichika Aoki from the paternity leave list. Aoki left the team on Wednesday to be present for the birth of his second child. He'll bat leadoff in his return Friday night against Julio Teheran and the Braves.

Brewers placed OF Norichika Aoki on the paternity leave list. Aoki has left the team to be present for the birth of his second child. He is permitted to be away for 24 to 72 hours. Josh Prince has been called up to replace him on the active roster.

Norichika Aoki will be placed on the paternity leave list sometime this week in order to be with his wife as she gives birth to their son. Aoki's wife, Sachi, is due on Thursday, but the baby could come at any time. "It's always on my mind," Aoki said through translator Kosuke Inaji. "Ron [Roenicke, the Brewers manager] joked about it, saying I'd better have my phone on me when I'm out in the field. I was planning on having the phone while I'm at bat."

Norichika Aoki went 1-for-4 with a double against the Reds on Saturday. Aoki has hit safely in every game since May 31 except for one. He's batting a nice .301/.375/.398 with four homers and 38 runs over 259 at-bats.