The Disabled List Informer

If Ryan Braun ’s persisting "right side stiffness" is truly due to what is being called an "intercostal strain", it may go down in history as the longest-lasting intercostal strain ever.

"Obviously, it’s not very exciting or very encouraging that it’s come back in the same area", said Braun, drawing comparisons to the similar issue he dealt with during the final 6 weeks of the season in 2008. The difference last year was that the pain and spasm was in both ribcages and lower back.

Last season, I voiced my skepticism about the diagnosis , and thought it to be more likely to be a spine issue of sorts - particularly because the pain was bilateral (both sides of the spine/back), and because there was no causative factor, i.e. no specific activity that could be attributed to a muscle strain.

Said Braun, "I’m not one to dwell on negative things. I recognize it’s in the same area. That’s not a good thing but I don’t see it being a chronic issue." Sure seems chronic to me.

Last year, I also felt that an MRI would be warranted to rule out an underlying spine condition: "…the Brewers would be smart to administer an MRI to see if there is a disc bulge/herniation, spinal instability, or underlying arthritic pathology that could be responsible for the spasms."

Braun apparently had declined an MRI when it was suggested by the Brewers earlier this spring. Expect the MRI to happen in the coming days if his symptoms persist. They would be wise to do it as a precaution, even if he does feel better.