Ryan Braun has back surgery, expected back for spring

MILWAUKEE — Right fielder Ryan Braun is recovering after undergoing a surgical procedure on his back but is expected to be at full strength when the Milwaukee Brewers begin spring training in February.

General manager David Stearns said the 31-year-old Braun was feeling as good as possible after having the surgery shortly after the season. The Brewers hope the procedure eliminates the pain that caused Braun to miss 14 of the last 18 games of the season.

"It was successful," Stearns said Thursday night during a town hall meeting with season ticket holders at Miller Park. "He's feeling as well as he can and we're looking forward to him having a healthy year."

The team said Braun needs three to four weeks to recover before beginning his offseason routine.

Braun bounced back this season after a disappointing 2014, hitting .285 with 25 homers and 84 RBIs, along with 24 stolen bases.

Braun's surgery was the only major medical update on Milwaukee's roster. The Brewers are entering a transitional phase under Stearns, hired last month to replace Doug Melvin.


(madison.com)