Braves pitchers Gavin Floyd and Mike Minor both bounced back well from their second injury rehabilitation appearances Tuesday night in Norfolk when they “piggy-backed” for the Gwinnett Braves and are on track to return some time later this month.
Floyd pitched four innings, giving up one run on four hits, as he continues to progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He reached the 60 pitch milestone without issues.
“Just normal soreness today,” Floyd said Wednesday afternoon. “I’m sure there’re going to be times where I’m going to have aches and sorenesses, but it’s responded really well. I’m very thankful for that and just continue to work and see how it progresses.”
He’ll pitch again Sunday for Double-A Mississippi, building up to 75 pitches.
Minor pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief on Tuesday in Norfolk, giving up two runs (one earned) on one hit and three walks. He struck out four. He wasn’t pleased with the results, which he called “pretty bad,” but his shoulder – which had slowed him with some tendinitis early in spring training – felt good.
“I had to talk him off the ledge (and told him) ‘just remember this is your third spring training game,’” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “He’s a competitor. He wants to do well, throw zeroes out there every time he can. Health-wise both of them were great.”
Minor is scheduled to start again on Sunday for Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves are hoping to have Minor back in action for a start either April 23 against the Marlins or April 25 against the Reds. Floyd is on track to return a week or two later.
