Nieuwenhuis underwent nerve release surgery following the 2016 season, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nerve release surgery is an alternative to sports hernia surgery with a faster recovery time. The 29-year-old amassed 392 plate appearances across 125 games last season, though he batted just .209. His solid defense and veteran presence were enough to convince the Brewers to tender him a contract for 2017, however. He appears to be on track for the start of spring training, though the team has not officially provided a timetable for his return.