Ryan Braun Activated Off the Disabled List After Hand Injury

Ryan Braun has been out of the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup since June 14 after injuring his right hand. However, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, the superstar left fielder will be activated Thursday night as third baseman Aramis Ramirez heads to the disabled list:

Braun was suffering from an inflamed nerve in his right hand that caused severe discomfort when swinging a bat. Dayn Perry of CBS Sports reports that Braun was expected to return to the lineup with the completion of a pain-free batting practice session on Saturday.

Perry also quoted manager Ron Roenicke as saying he was unsure if Thursday is as early as Braun could play, but that it was a good goal to shoot for.    

While McCalvy indicates the 29-year-old won’t be in the starting lineup against the Cincinnati Reds, his activation is a good indication he could be back in the lineup in the near future.

Braun was batting .304 with nine home runs and 36 RBI in 57 games with the Brewers this season before winding up on the disabled list.

Meanwhile, Ramirez will head to the disabled list after suffering an apparent knee injury in the Brewers’ 7-6 win over the New York Mets on July 6, per Kevin Massoth of MLB.com.

Ramirez has struggled in 54 games with Milwaukee this season, batting just .271 with five home runs and 26 RBI. He missed most of April with a sprained left knee.

The Brewers have to hope Braun’s bat can add some pop to the lineup upon his return. Milwaukee has scored just 348 runs and slugged a paltry 83 home runs, leaving them 19th in both categories among all MLB teams. They currently sit in last place in the NL Central, with a record of 35-52.