The Braves 2024 campaign to this point has been defined by injuries. I’m not sure I ever remember a team so snake bit, but there is hope some of these guys can return for when it matters most.
Ian Anderson is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. A.J. Minter has already begun his rehab assignment as he recovers from a hip impingement, and Michael Harris has begun doing baseball activities following a hamstring strain he suffered a couple of weeks ago. It may not be long before he begins a rehab assignment as well, and I don’t imagine he’ll need too long before he’s ready to rejoin the Braves.
A couple more injury updates: Harris (hamstring) has been hitting and throwing, but he hasn't been cleared to begin running. Matzek (left elbow inflammation) has felt good while crow hopping from 90 ft.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 28, 2024
As Mark Bowman also notes, Tyler Matzek is working his way back from elbow inflammation. The injury landed him on the IL back in April, which is not a great sign for somebody who just recovered from Tommy John surgery. Matzek’s velocity was down significantly and he was getting crushed. I’m not sure there’s a place for him on the Braves roster if things don’t take a substantial swing in the right direction.
Despite the plethora of injuries, Atlanta has somehow been able to weather the storm, leading the Wild Card race in the National League by a comfortable margin and still lurking behind the Phillies in the NL East.
If the Braves can hang in the division race for just a little while longer, reinforcements are coming in a big way. Several critical pieces will rejoin the team from the Injured List, and Alex Anthopoulos is going to be one of the most aggressive general managers at the trade deadline. He’s more aware than anyone of what this team needs, and he’s never been one to sit on his hands this time of year.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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