I’m not sure a team has ever been bitten by the injury bug worse than the Braves have over the last two months. Several All-Stars have missed significant time, and the reining NL MVP as well as the ace of the staff are already out for the season. Those injuries are the primary reason the Braves are off to a somewhat sluggish start in 2024, and it looked like it had gotten even worse on Wednesday afternoon when Jarred Kelenic left the game after making a diving catch in the outfield.
However, the Braves received positive news after the game in that X-rays were negative, and today, Kelenic sounded thankful that he avoided anything serious.
“I think I got lucky. I just kinda jammed my wrist a little bit. Didn’t feel anything crazy, but I passed all the test. Little stiff but I should be fine”
Jarred Kelenic provides an update on how he is feeling after making a diving play and falling on his wrist⤵️ pic.twitter.com/n4FEFFTFnz
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 5, 2024
Jarred Kelenic is not in the lineup tonight against the Nationals, and it may be that way for the next few days, but it was an awkward play and could have turned out a lot worse. It goes without saying losing Kelenic for an extended period would be a nightmare situation for the Braves. They just lost Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season and don’t have a lot of inspiring options behind Kelenic to play in the outfield everyday.
Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal Constitution also provided us with an injury update on A.J. Minter today.
A.J. Minter (left hip inflammation) is feeling well, Brian Snitker said. He's been able to play catch and keep his arm going. The hope is that the Braves can get him an inning, whether in a live BP or with an affiliate, next week before he returns.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) June 6, 2024
Minter, arguably the best pitcher in the Braves bullpen, has been out since last week with hip inflammation. But it appears he’s on track to return right when he’s eligible after 15 days. Atlanta’s relief core has been just fine to this point without him, but this is a team that needs the bullpen to be lights out every night because of all the injuries to other members of the club.
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Photographer: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
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