Braun back, hopes to return to action vs. Twins

MINNEAPOLIS -- Ryan Braun is back with the Brewers following a trip to California to undergo a procedure on his right thumb. Though Braun is not in the lineup Friday against the Twins, he said everything went well and he is available to play if needed.

Braun missed Wednesday's game and the Brewers had Thursday off. Both manager Craig Counsell and Braun said the right fielder is hoping to be back in the lineup Saturday.

This is the second time Braun has had the cryotheraphy procedure, which involves freezing an inflamed nerve in his thumb. He said he knew a couple weeks ago that he would have cryotheraphy again, and that it was encouraging to find something "relatively noninvasive," he could do for the rest of his career if the problem persisted.

Video: Ryan Braun on memories of the 2005 MLB Draft

"We were just trying to figure out schedule-wise, timing-wise when worked best and obviously with the day off yesterday [Thursday], it helped," Braun said. "It's an extra day of recovery without having to miss a game."

Braun first had the procedure in October, and he said he waited a week to swing a bat after that. This time around, he didn't have that luxury.

"I didn't feel the need to pick up a bat quicker, but obviously we're in a different situation now but I'm encouraged by how it feels," Braun said. "[I'm] just trying to get some of that last little bit of swelling and inflammation out of there."

Braun said he didn't think he would need to have another injection this season. Typically, the procedure has a shelf life of about three to four months.

"The doctor who has done the procedures is encouraged and thinks that at some point hopefully it'll go away completely but even if it doesn't, being that there's only four months left in the season, hopefully I'll be good for the rest of the year," he said.