Ryan Braun placed on injured list with infected finger

We knew Ryan Braun was battling a number of ailments lately, but this is a new one.

The Brewers say the DH/1B/OF is headed to the injured list with an infected right index finger, which may be the first time I’ve typed “infected right index finger” in a blog post.

Details aren’t available about Braun’s ailment at this time. We’ll take the team at its word now that this is something legitimate that will keep Braun out for the next couple weeks and not just a way to buy him more time as he mulls a possible opt out.

Braun has previously said he’s “day to day” when it comes to deciding to play this season. To this point, he’s appeared in 4 of the Brewers’ 6 games, making 14 plate appearances, going 3-for-13 with a double and 2 RBI.

Braun’s absence will likely mean more time at first base and DH for Justin Smoak and Logan Morrison, while someone like Ryon Healy may be called up from the player pool in Appleton. The Brewers haven’t announced who’s taking Braun’s spot on the roster yet, or who will be replacing Cain (although Tyrone Taylor or Keon Broxton seem likely).