What We Learned: Ryan Braun needs more cryotherapy

During the offseason, Ryan Braun had a cryotherapy procedure to numb a nerve in his thumb so he could swing a bat properly again. Two months into the season, it appears to be working as Ryan Braun is getting closer to being in his old form. However, we got a jolt of reality yesterday when the Brewers announced that Braun had left the team to go to Los Angeles to have a second procedure performed.

After the initial shock passed, news came out that this isn't anything to be concerned about yet. It's more maintenance than anything else, and Ryan Braun could need these treatments indefinitely through the rest of his career. However, as long as he does not have the treatment too often (no more than once every four months), it will be safe for his thumb. He's expected to return during the Twins series, and potentially as soon as Friday.

Yesterday's Results

Cardinals 7, Brewers 4

A five-run first inning by the Cardinals was too much for the Brewers to overcome as they dropped the series finale to the Cardinals yesterday. Jimmy Nelson was roughed up in his start, allowing five runs in that first inning and seven runs overall. The Brewers chipped away at that lead as the game went on and had the tying run up at the plate in the ninth inning, but Jonathan Lucroy grounded into a double play to end the game.

Brewers News & Notes

• The Brewers made a few more roster moves over the last few days. On Tuesday, they claimed infielder Hernan Perez off of waivers from the Tigers and designated Elian Herrera for assignment. Then, following Tuesday's start (and with Braun leaving the team for the cryotherapy), the Brewers optioned Tyler Cravy back to Colorado Springs and recalled outfielder Shane Peterson.
• In injury news, Khris Davis underwent a successful debridement of his right meniscus and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.
• With the MLB draft coming up next week, Derek has a guide with everything you need to know for next week's draft.
• Despite Tyler Cravy's return to Colorado Springs, we may see more from the young pitcher in the near future. Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com notes that Counsell was impressed by what he saw from Cravy in his start on Tuesday. Had an outfielder not been needed to cover for Ryan Braun, it's possible that Cravy could have remained with the team.
• Hector Gomez left yesterday's game after taking a hard tumble into the stands while chasing a foul ball. Adam McCalvy reports that despite a big bump on the head, Gomez did not have a concussion and is expected to be fine.
• Following Tyler Cravy's debut on Tuesday, Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker looked back at the best debuts by starting pitchers this season. He also analyzed Jeremy Jeffress' impressive performance on Monday night.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers announced that they finished among the top 25 teams in all of minor-league baseball in merchandise sold during the 2014 season.
• Marcus Young of Miller Park Prospects has a profile of outfielder Shane Peterson prior to his major-league debut.
• Over on Reviewing the Brew, Michael Trzinski looks back at the 2014 season of Clint Coulter.

NL Central Update

• Pirates 5, Giants 2
• Marlins 7, Cubs 3
• Phillies 5, Reds 4

Today's Division Games

• Cubs (Jake Arrieta) @ Nationals (Gio Gonzalez) - 6:05 pm
• Reds (Anthony DeSclafani) @ Phillies (Aaron Harang) - 6:05 pm
• Cardinals (Michael Wacha) @ Dodgers (Carlos Frias) - 9:10 pm
• Pirates have the day off.

Around Baseball

Roster News

• The Cubs placed third baseman Jorge Soler on the 15-day DL with an ankle sprain and recalled infielder Mike Baxter.
• The Dodgers designated LHP David Huff for assignment and optioned catcher Austin Barnes. They also placed outfielder Scott Van Slyke on the 15-day DL with mid-back inflammation. In addition, they recalled RHP Josh Ravin, LHP Daniel Coulombe, and outfielder Chris Heisey.
• The Mariners acquired outfielder Mark Trumbo from the Diamondbacks as part of a six-player trade between the two teams.
• Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will miss four weeks due to a strained hamstring.
• The Rays designated RHP Ernesto Frieri for assignment.
• The Red Sox acquired outfielder Alejandro De Aza from the Orioles.
• Rockies starter Jordan Lyles will miss the rest of the season after undergoing toe surgery.
• The Yankees designated reliever David Carpenter for assignment and activated starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka from the DL.

Other Notes

• Ten years ago, one of the best drafts of all time took place. Doug Miller of MLB.com looks back at the 2005 draft and the amazing class of players that came from it.
• Out of the Park Baseball is one of the most popular baseball simulators available. Bradley Woodrum of TechGraphs reviews this year's edition and provides his thoughts on it.
• The blackout policies in MLB go beyond issues of just being able to watch a game online. David Wiers of TechGraphs describes the additional problems that blackouts in sports have created.

Today's Action

The Brewers have the day off. They return to action on Friday to start a three-game series against the Twins.