AJ Minter’s nightmare that was the 2019 season is over.
Today, AJ Minter was placed on the 60 Day IL with “shoulder inflammation”. This is almost surely a shadow IL trip so Atlanta can clear a 40 man spot. After being named the de facto closer on opening day, AJ Minter was rocked at almost all turns. A guy that Braves country had so much hope for had about as bad of a season as you could have. The 75th overall pick out of Texas A&M bounced back and forth between Gwinnett and Atlanta this season, not having success at either level. Look at the difference between 2018 and 2019
2018: 3.23 ERA in 61.1 IP, 69 K & 15 Saves
2019 (ATL): 7.06 ERA in 29.1 IP, 35 K & 5 Saves
2019 (GWN): 3.57 ERA in 22.2 IP, 30 K and 5 Saves
In Atlanta AJ had more walks, runs, and home runs allowed in 2019 in 30 less innings. No doubt his confidence is through the floor. Hopefully he can bounce back in 2020 and make an impact for this club, but it’s the right move to get him off the field for 2019. Giving up 9 ER in April was just not a good start for him, and he never bounced back.
The 2nd most mysterious man in Atlanta outside of Darren O’Day has been activated to replace him.
Grant Dayton was pulled from the 60 day IL. His career is a bit of an enigma. Once a highly thought of relief prospect, Dayton’s only thrown 58.1 IP in his career due to injuries since he debuted in 2016. However, the Auburn product has shown some flashes. When he debuted on 2016, he had a 2.05 ERA in LA. Anthopoulos more than likely saw his talent from his time in LA and gave him a chance in Atlanta. He’s got a 2.16 ERA this season for us (granted it’s over 8.1 IP), but he’s a lefty with some potential. If he can prove himself over these last two weeks, he could get a look for a spot on the playoff roster. I’m glad Dayton’s healthy, I’m a huge fan of his, and if he’s ready, it’s time to give AJ the rest of the season off.