Ryan Braun's thumb feels 'significantly better'

It remained a case of so far, so good Sunday with Ryan Braun's right thumb.

The Brewers' right-fielder was plagued throughout the 2014 season by a nerve issue at the base of his thumb, robbing him of his power and other offensive skills. Afterward, he underwent a somewhat experimental cryotherapy procedure on the thumb that so far has produced encouraging results.

"Knock on wood, I feel great; it feels really good," Braun said during a media session at Brewers On Deck at the Wisconsin Center.

"Everything is going well. Regular offseason, regular routine. I started hitting a little bit earlier than I typically do, just to see how it felt. So far, so good. It feels really good.

"I do everything I regularly do. I don't hit off live pitching but I take regular batting practice like we would during the season, and it feels good. I don't feel anything at all."

Asked if the test is still to come when he starts hitting more regularly in spring training, Braun said, "I know it's significantly better than where it was this time last year, which I'm encouraged by. But as I told you guys the last time I saw everybody (at Thanksgiving) the real test will come in spring training, once we've played games for a couple of weeks and that every-day wear and tear. See how it recovers, see how it responds.

"I don't feel anything at all; it feels great. So, I'm able to do everything I would typically be able to do. No restrictions. It doesn't prevent me from doing anything. I didn't have to alter any kind of workout routine or my hitting or anything I do in the offseason. So far, it feels really good.

"I feel as good as I ever do this time of year, so I feel great. It's always a progression to getting to the point where you feel comfortable with your swing. That normally happens at some point during spring training. But right now it feels as good as I could possibly hope for."


(jsonline.com)