Ryan Braun: Behind schedule in recovery

Braun said Sunday that he is behind schedule in his recovery from offseason back surgery, MLB.com reports. "I won't be 100 percent at the start of spring training, no," Braun said. "I think it will kind of be a gradual process to work my way back to 100 percent. But I feel pretty good. I don't foresee any reason that it wouldn't be [ready for Opening Day], but until I get out there and start doing things at full speed, it's hard to say."

Analysis:

The 32-year-old estimated that he's about two weeks behind schedule, having just been cleared to resume swinging a bat a little over a week ago. Braun went under the knife days after the end of the regular season to repair a bulging disk in his lower back, an issue which kept him out for the final few weeks. On a positive note, Braun suggested his right thumb is no longer a concern, saying he is pain-free and has no plans to undergo another cryotherapy procedure.