Braves reliever A.J. Minter is headed for surgical procedure to deal with a left hip subject, supervisor Brian Snitker advised reporters, by way of Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Structure. Snitker didn’t know whether or not the process will finish Minter’s season, however that at the least appears in query with lower than two months to play.
Atlanta positioned the southpaw on the 15-day injured checklist on Monday. It was the second time this yr {that a} left hip downside had shelved him. Minter missed a month between the tip of Could and starting of July. He pitched for six weeks earlier than the harm required one other shutdown. Minter visited a specialist this week, and that examination evidently revealed he’ll must bear surgical procedure.
If this does conclude his season, it may also mark the tip his tenure in Atlanta. Minter might be a free agent for the primary time in his profession subsequent offseason. The Braves haven’t been afraid to spend money on their bullpen, so maybe they’ll make an effort to retain him. They have already got Raisel Iglesias, Joe Jiménez, Pierce Johnson and (by way of reasonably priced membership possibility) Aaron Bummer below contract for subsequent yr. They’ll additionally must make some choices relating to their rotation and doubtlessly look to improve on Orlando Arcia at shortstop.
A second-round decide in 2015, Minter has been one of many higher setup choices within the league over his profession. He had a disastrous 2019 season however in any other case has allowed fewer than 4 earned runs per 9 in yearly. Minter has typically pitched in medium to high-leverage spots. He’s had one other good season when wholesome, working to a 2.62 ERA throughout 34 1/3 frames. His 26.1% strikeout charge is down a bit from its 2022-23 degree however stays a number of factors higher than league common.
The Braves have Bummer and Dylan Lee as their two southpaws within the bullpen. Bummer has had a powerful yr after coming over from the White Sox in an offseason commerce, hanging out 28% of opponents with a 3.74 ERA. Lee has arguably been even higher, working to a 1.96 mark whereas hanging out practically 27% of batters confronted throughout 46 frames. That’s nonetheless a very good duo, however dropping Minter for the stretch run thins the center innings combine at a time when Atlanta is clinging to a playoff spot. The Braves go into Wednesday evening’s matchup in San Francisco with a two-game cushion on the Mets for the ultimate wild-card place.
