Ryan Braun (back) remains out of the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs.

Braun (back) remains out of the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs.

Analysis:

Wednesday marks the fifth straight absence for Braun, who revealed earlier in the week that he will need surgery in the offseason to address a back injury. A return this season for Braun is not being ruled out, but a target date has not been set, and it's fair to wonder how much he will play with less than two weeks left and five years remaining on his contract.