The Braves’ bullpen is receiving a boost.
The club on Monday activated left-hander A.J. Minter from the 15-day injured list. He had dealt with left shoulder inflammation, which first popped up during an outing against the Rays right before the All-Star break.
“It’s great, (with) what he’s meant to us and his presence in the bullpen,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Minter’s return. “So it’ll be good to get him back in the mix.”
To create room on the 26-man roster for Minter, the Braves optioned right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, who started Sunday’s game versus the Brewers.
In Monday’s 4-1 loss to the Angels, Minter tossed a scoreless seventh inning. He gave up a hit, but struck out a batter.
“That was good,” Snitker said after the loss. “That was a good situation to put him in, and I’m sure it was really good for him to get back out there. So that’s a good first step for him.”
Minter is one of Atlanta’s most reliable relievers. He’s one of its prominent late-inning options, and his return should strengthen the group.
The Braves are without Nick Anderson and Dylan Lee. Jesse Chavez is also on the injured list. Thus, Minter will provide the Braves with another trusted arm.
Last week, Atlanta acquired Pierce Johnson from the Rockies. The Braves needed power stuff from the right side, and felt like they got it in Johnson.
Since Minter went down, the Braves have relied more on guys like Joe Jiménez and Ben Heller. They recently called up Daysbel Hernandez.
All along, it seemed like they would still need their best arms to return if they wanted to be at full strength, which is why Minter’s reinstatement is so important.
The Braves should get Max Fried back at some point this weekend in Chicago. Lee could follow soon (more on that in the next note). Kyle Wright is expected to return at some point in September.
In baseball, you can never take anything for granted. But the Braves have earned MLB’s best record while some of their key players have missed time.
Does Snitker ever allow himself to think about what it might be like when the Braves are at full strength?
“I don’t allow myself to do that,” Snitker said.
Lee getting closer to a return
Snitker said Dylan Lee will throw live batting practice on Tuesday. If he feels well on Wednesday, he could soon begin a rehab assignment.
Lee has been on the injured list since May.
“He’s headed in the right direction,” Snitker said.
