Brewers Injury Report: What Is Raynaud's Syndrome And How Will It Impact Brandon Woodruff's Pitching?

Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff's rehab from a right ankle sprain has been complicated by of an onset of Raynaud's syndrome. 

As explained by Craig Counsell, Raynaud's is a sudden loss of feeling in extremities that, in Woodruff's case, is affecting the pointer, ring, and middle fingers on his throwing hand. 

Brandon Woodruff Injury Update

The ProBaseballDocs say that Woodruff will have to contend with the syndrome and it's symptoms potentially for the rest of his career, and the way he manages it will depend on the cause.

The brunt of the symptoms being contained to Woodruff's key throwing fingers is unfortunate and a big deal, but is something that he can work through. 

Rayndaud's is most often spurred by cold weather but can also be caused by stress and, sometimes, an unknown source. 

The underlying issue is a change in circulation and vessel constriction that causes the cold and numb fingers.

Despite the similar symptoms, the Docs say, Raynaud's is unrelated to Thoracic Outlet syndrome and won't require surgery to repair. 

If it is caused by cold weather, as the Docs infer, the management will include a sleeve on his throwing arm, consistent use of hand warmers, and a limit on the number of night or cold-weather games that he pitches in. 

The last part will likely be difficult as he plays in the Midwest, but many of the teams the Brewers will face in the NL – the Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers, Padres and Giants – don't have the same climate.

If they can pinpoint the cause and get the numbness under control, the 29-year-old should be able to return soon with little residual impact. 

The towering righty has had a down year, posting a 4.74 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 43.2 innings. 

His return, along with fellow starter Freddy Peralta, is much-needed as Milwaukee trudges through it's worst stretch of the season.