The Atlanta Braves have faced significant injury challenges this season, losing key players but still managing to perform well. Despite the setbacks, the team has found ways to stay competitive, particularly with their bullpen’s resilience.
Veteran reliever A.J. Minter, who has been sidelined for an extended period, is set to make his return. According to Justin Toscano, Minter has completed his rehab assignment in the minor leagues and has been reactivated on the roster. Right-hander Daysbel Hernández was optioned to make room for Minter’s return.
“Atlanta on Monday returned A.J. Minter from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the injured list. Minter had been out since late May due to a left hip impingement. On his rehab assignment, he allowed one earned run over three innings across three appearances. Minter pitched one inning with High-A Rome, then two with Triple-A Gwinnett.”
The Braves’ bullpen has managed to find a solid groove even without Minter. Pierce Johnson, Joe Jimenez, Jesse Chavez, and Dylan Lee have all stepped up, with Raisel Iglesias continuing to excel as one of the best closers in baseball. Minter, despite struggling with the long ball earlier in the season, remains a valuable asset. He was part of the 2021 championship team and had a 2.95 ERA before his injury. His return is expected to further strengthen the Braves’ bullpen.
Braves’ Injury Troubles
The Braves have been plagued by injuries this season, particularly to their top stars. Early in the season, ace Spencer Strider was ruled out for the year after suffering an elbow injury and undergoing Tommy John surgery. This was a significant blow, as Strider was expected to have a major year.
The situation worsened when Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered another ACL injury, this time to his other knee, during a freak incident while running the bases. The reigning NL MVP was ruled out for the entire season, putting the Braves in a precarious position.
Despite these major setbacks and other injuries within the lineup, the Braves have managed to stay competitive. Although they have relinquished the NL East lead to the Philadelphia Phillies, they hold a respectable 46-36 record and remain in the mix for the Wild Card race. This mirrors their situation in 2021 before their championship run, which was fueled by strategic trades made by General Manager Alex Anthopoulos. The acquisitions of Adam Duvall and Jorge Soler were crucial to their legendary playoff performance. Fans are hopeful that Anthopoulos can once again work his magic at the trade deadline to bolster the Braves’ roster for another potential World Series run.
Leave a Reply