This has been the season from hell for the Atlanta Braves. Whether it’s stars underperforming or getting injured, it seems everything has gone wrong for the six-time reigning NL East champions.
While Michael Harris II and Reynaldo Lopez‘s respective returns are looming, another critical piece has hit the injured list. AJ Minter was sent to the 15-day IL on Monday, and Brian Snitker told the Atlanta media this evening that he doesnt know whether Minter will pitch again this season, per Mark Bowman.
Snitker said they will have to review the results of Minter’s evaluation before knowing whether he will pitch again this year. It’s the same left hip ailment that sidelined Minter earlier this year.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 12, 2024
It goes without saying that losing Minter for any amount of time is a significant blow to Atlanta’s bullpen. He’s been the Braves most reliable reliever since debuting in 2017.
The 30-year-old owns a 3.28 ERA and 36 saves in 384 games and has been one of the Braves best arms this year. He’s 5-4 with a 2.62 ERA and one save in 39 appearances out of the bullpen.
Obviously, missing him for the regular season stings, but his absence in October will be much more tremendous. AJ Minter has made 20 appearances over the years with Atlanta in the postseason, putting together a 2.88 ERA, with 13 strikeouts per nine innings.
From a personal side, this is equally brutal for Minter. The veteran southpaw is amid a contract year and looked poised to get handsomely paid in free agency.
Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, and he can work his way back for the stretch run.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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