Ryan Braun likely to remain on DL longer than expected

When Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun was placed on the disabled list with a thumb injury last week, the initial expectation from Brewers camp was that he'd only miss the minimum 15 days. Instead, the hand injury -- inflammation around a nerve between Braun's right thumb and index finger -- could keep him out as long as a month (MLB.com).

The MLB.com report indicates Braun returning next week when eligible is still an "outside" shot, but the most likely scenario is that he won't be ready in time.
As things currently stand, Braun will avoid surgery but has been completely shut down. The longer he stays shut down while allowing the hand to heal, the more likely he'll need a minor-league rehab assignment before being ready to rejoin his teammates.

Braun, 29, is hitting .304/.380/.595 with nine homers and 36 RBI this season.

This is the first disabled list stint of Braun's seven-year career.


(cbssports.com)