PITTSBURGH -- Ryan Braun missed the Brewers' series finale against the Pirates on Wednesday while undergoing cryotherapy on his troublesome right thumb in Los Angeles, a procedure he's occasionally undergone since 2014 to relieve nerve pain.
Manager Craig Counsell believed it was the fifth time Braun has required the procedure, and the first time this year. Braun, who is slashing .236/.290/.429 this season despite a high percentage of high contact, developed discomfort in recent days that was not abating with on-site treatment.
He will rejoin the team on Thursday at Miller Park as the Brewers open a four-game series against the Cardinals.