LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The second day of workouts for Braves pitchers and catchers brought a most encouraging sight for manager Fredi Gonzalez: Mike Minor throwing off the mound and looking sharp.
A year ago, Minor was unable to throw in January – due to Dec. 31 urinary tract surgery — and then developed shoulder tendinitis in the first week of camp after ramping up his activities a bit too quickly. He began the season on the 15-day disabled list and the shoulder flared up periodically during a career-worst season.
“Man, oh man, he threw a side (session) today — mid-season form, he really was,” Gonzalez said. “He’s strong, he looks good, his arm is working great. So it was nice to see him throw a side today. He was a highlight for me today.”
By midseason form, Gonzalez meant the kind of form Minor had in 2013, when he went 13-9 with career-best totals in wins, ERA (3.21), strikeouts (181) and innings (204 2/3). He was arguably the Braves’ best pitcher that season, and got the decision in their only win during a four-game division-series loss to the Dodgers.
“There’s no doubt in mind that he’s going to be that (good again this year),” Gonzalez said.
Last season, Minor struggled to a career-worst 6-12 record and 4.77 ERA in 25 starts, allowing 21 homers in just 145 1/3 innings.
“Everybody has a bad year for different reasons,” Gonzalez said. “There was a time there in ’13 when he was the guy you wanted on the mound. He pitched Game 2 (of the division series) and if would’ve extended that series he would’ve pitched the deciding game back home. So it was good to see him throw the ball like he did today. He looked healthy, looked strong. I’m really, really encouraged.”
