Braun approaching return; Garza's thumb improving

CINCINNATI -- Ryan Braun was quick to say that he had no major updates to report on his sore oblique, other than he felt he was making progress toward returning to game action.

"I'm always optimistic, but I think if I look too far ahead ... we don't have a target date or anything like that," he said. "I get as much treatment as I can and hope that it gets better. It's headed in the right direction. It's getting better for sure."

The outfielder hasn't played since last Saturday and could return this weekend. So far there hasn't been any serious discussion to place him on the disabled list.

"He has to be able to do some baseball activity," manager Ron Roenicke said. "We feel like whether it's Saturday or Sunday, we'll get him back in."

Meanwhile, Matt Garza, who left his start in St. Louis on Wednesday with a bruised right thumb, is also making progress.

"The trainers are happy," Roenicke said. "He's still black and blue, but the swelling's gone down. I don't know if it's gone completely."

Garza will be further evaluated during a side session Friday.

"We think everything's going to be fine," Roenicke said. "If he goes out there and says he can't do it, we'll have to change our plan."