As I’ve documented over the last several weeks, injuries have really taken their toll on the Braves bullpen. The top guys have been elite, for the most part, since the All-Star break, but the last few spots will be an interesting decision when it is time to make the postseason roster.
Collin McHugh is now on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation, something that has bothered him before this season. Even when he was healthy, he wasn’t the same guy he was last year for the Braves. His season looks to be over, and the same can be said for Dylan Lee. He missed nearly three months with a shoulder injury, made his return, and is now back on the IL with the same injury. It’s hard to imagine him coming back and making the postseason roster.
Jesse Chavez did begin his rehab assignment last night and tossed a scoreless inning despite giving up a couple of hits and a walk. He could be an option in October, but there’s no telling what to expect from a 40-year-old pitcher that had to sit out three months due to a micro-fracture in his shin.
Perhaps Kyle Wright could work his way into the mix. He made his return earlier in the week, and while he struggled, he has some time to work through the kinks. Wright should be able to make three more starts between now and the end of the season.
There are some spots to be won on the Braves playoff roster over these next few weeks, and one name that might be forgotten is Nick Anderson. He was one of Brian Snitker‘s most trusted relievers during the first half of the season, posting a 3.06 ERA before going on the 60-day IL with a shoulder injury. He’s now eligible to return if he can get healthy, but that doesn’t appear to be imminent, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
“Nick Anderson is still rehabbing the shoulder ailment that has sidelined him since the All-Star break,” Bowman said. “He is a longshot postseason roster candidate.”
At this point, Bowman’s right. Nick Anderson would have to return very soon for a rehab assignment to even be considered. However, as I said above, that’s the case for a lot of the Braves potential relievers. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but the next few weeks will be critical for several guys hoping to make the Braves postseason roster.
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Photo: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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