Ryan Braun is encouraged by his thumb's progress. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun is feeling so good about an offseason procedure to address a nerve problem near his right thumb that he says it’s 100 percent better.
Bothered by the thumb problem for the past two seasons, Braun’s production at the plate declined and he batted a career-worst .266 with 19 home runs and 81 RBIs in 2014.
Braun underwent cryotherapy after the season ended at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles. The treatment, which involves freezing damaged tissues, had not been done previously in the thumb area.
“Right now, I don’t feel any (pain), and I haven’t been able to say that for two years,” Braun said. “I think I’ve told you guys, it (hurt) shaking hands, writing — you know, just everyday activities. Now I don’t feel it at all, so I’m excited.”
The 31-year-old Braun tested the thumb with some swings and said he felt good. But he wants to wait until spring training in February to further assess his status.
“I’m encouraged by how it feels,” he said. “But at the same time, I think I have to be cautiously optimistic (until) I get into spring training and see how it responds. But it hasn’t felt this good in a really long time.”
