The Milwaukee Brewers could be without star outfielder Ryan Braun for the remainder of their series against the Miami Marlins because of continued irritation in his right thumb, reports David Villavecencio of MLB.com.
Ryan Braun injury: Sore thumb might sideline Brewers OF until Friday
Braun will likely miss the rest of the club’s series in Miami, but will try to avoid a stint on the disabled list.
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Braun, 29, has been dealing with pain in his right hand caused by a damaged nerve or ligament for about a month. He was pulled from Sunday's game against the Phillies in the third inning because of it, and was held out of Monday's lineup to see if rest would improve his status. Manager Ron Roenicke said that the club is still in "wait and see" mode with regards to the disabled list, and is hopeful it won't come to that.
Harper's status still unclear
Bryce Harper got a second opinion on his swollen knee Monday, but didn't come away with much. Braun is unsure when exactly the pain first cropped up in his thumb, but remembers that his entire hand was numb for a week when it happened. The All-Star has tried making several adjustments at the plate to avoid aggravating the injury, but has not been able to do so, and believes he has been “swinging with one hand at close to 60 or 70 percent” since the injury occurred.
Braun’s dwindling power numbers over the last month seem to give a strong indication that he is not operating on all cylinders. After slugging nearly .600 over the first month and a half of the season, Braun has just five extra-base hits in his last 23 games.
Logan Schafer played in Braun's place Sunday and Monday, and will likely continue to do so in Miami on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Brew Crew have the day off Thursday, so if Braun does sit for the rest of the current series, he'll get a fourth day to rest his ailing hand, possibly setting him up for a Friday return.
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