The thumb nerve problem that plagued Ryan Braun prior to his suspension last year has returned, and the slugger knows that surgery is one of his options.
Braun has a problematic nerve between the thumb and forefinger on his right hand that has led to numbness. Because he can’t feel that area, he has bruises and blisters. That led the Milwaukee Brewers to have him DH instead of play the field Friday against the Boston Red Sox. The hope was that not having to throw would help it heal somewhat.
Ultimately, the big question will be whether Braun can continue this way.
Braun batted .298 with 9 home runs in 61 games last season prior to his suspension. From April 27 until his suspension, he only hit two home runs, and that’s probably because of the thumb nerve problem.
Braun had five months off to rest his hand and entered spring training hitting well. But the problem returned and the slugger will have to see how he can manage things.
Though Brew Beat says Braun knows surgery is an option, they say he did not have an operation because there are no guarantees it will work. Another issue is that the amount of time a procedure would keep him out could be great.
Regardless of what Braun decides to do, it’s looking like this season may be a struggle for him.
