As the season approaches, The Braves look more and more like they will be shorthanded in the ‘pen on Opening Day.
Darren O’Day has dealt with right forearm discomfort this Spring as he attempts to make a comeback after ending last season on the DL with a severe hamstring injury. Per mlb.com’s Mark Bowman, O’Day is yet to be cleared to throw, and the season is less than two weeks away. O’ Day is a great veteran arm that the Braves have to rely on after not bolstering the bullpen this offseason. This isn’t the way he or the Braves were hoping his season would begin.
A.J Minter seems to be in a better spot. After suffering left shoulder tightness due to a minor car crash, Minter began playing catch a few days ago, per Bowman. However, Bowman speculates that Minter could open the season on the injured list as well (R.I.P. Disabled List).
Bowman added that neither has pitched since March 1. The Braves’ pitching staff is shorthanded, and that is never the way you want to enter the season. Although, things could be worse, as nothing appears too severe as of now.