Ryan Braun's right thumb has been bothering him even more of late, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Braun's right thumb has been bothering him even more of late, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Manager Ron Roenicke suggested the thumb discomfort that has hindered Braun's ability to grip a bat throughout the entire season has just recently spread to his hand, leading to his day off Tuesday. It does sound like Braun will continue playing through the issue, but he's batting just .230 since the All-Star break and it's uncertain how effective he'll be. Braun said he's discussed possible surgical options but none of the experts with whom he's consulted has provided enough of a guarantee that the problem would be corrected through surgery.