First signs of progress for injured Braun

WASHINGTON -- The Brewers were very encouraged on Wednesday when left fielder Ryan Braun's sore right hand felt well enough to swing a bat for the second straight day. Braun, on the disabled list with an inflamed nerve, is suddenly making some progress.

"I think that's a good sign, with him swinging the way he did and coming out today feeling [well]," manager Ron Roenicke said.

When Braun last swung a bat one week earlier, he felt sore the next day, increasing the likelihood that he would remain sidelined through the All-Star break.

Is there now a chance he will be back sooner?

"I think with the progress he made the last couple days, I think it's a possibility," Roenicke said. "I don't want to put any times on this. But it's a possibility."