MILWAUKEE, WI (LEARFIELD-WSAU) Milwaukee Brewers’ right fielder Ryan Braun had a second cryotherapy procedure scheduled Wednesdayon his right thumb. Braun flew to Los Angeles to get the operation, as he missed yesterday afternoon’s Brewers’ game in Saint Louis.
Braun ended almost two seasons’ worth of pain in early October, when Doctor Vernon Williams pushed sub-zero temperatures into a damaged nerve at the base of the injured thumb. Manager Craig Counsell said there were signs that the benefits of the first cryotherapy procedure appeared to be wearing off — and the operation appears to have a “shelf life.”
Braun’s play suddenly improved at the start of May — but he fell into a 1-for-8 slump Monday and Tuesday nights at Saint Louis. Counsell said there’s no doubt that Braun can play right now — but it’s important he get to 100-percent. Counsell could not say whether Braun would need to keep getting cryotherapy treatments for the rest of his career.
A five-year, 105-million dollar contract extension begins for Braun next season. Counsell says he hopes Braun can play for at least part of this weekend’s series at Minnesota.
