Brewers' Ryan Braun to have offseason back surgery

Alec Brzezinski

Brewers' Ryan Braun to have offseason back surgery image

Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun will undergo surgery on his back during the offseason, according to MLB.com.

"I've known that for a couple of months," Braun said. "If it were to get worse, it would prolong the recovery time, so that's what we're trying to avoid. It's kind of a fine line that we're walking there."

MORE: Seven most disappointing MLB players of 2015 | Braves' Foltynewicz has part of rib removed to treat blood clots

Braun has missed multiple games this season with back tightness, but declined to discuss specifics on the injury. Baring a setback, he should be healthy in time for the start of the 2016 season, which is when his five-year, $105 million contract extension kicks in.

"It's kind of a challenging situation, just kind of understanding what I'm dealing with in my back," Braun said. "Obviously, I want to play, I want to get out there, but I don't want to risk significantly prolonging the recovery process of the procedure I'm going to have.

"I do a lot of work with the trainers every day. The training staff here is pretty spectacular, and I'll trust their vision and I'll continue to do what I can to get out there, but also be smart about it."

Manager Craig Counsell said whether Braun plays again this season will be a joint decision among himself, Braun, the training staff and the front office.

"He still wants to play but we're going to make sure that if and when he does play, he's ready to play," Counsell said. "He's got a back issue. Right now at this point it's manageable, but we don't want it to get worse. When we feel like he's able to play and not have a big risk of making it worse, then he'll play. If we don't get to that point, then he's not going to be able to play."

 

Alec Brzezinski