A.J. Minter got his first taste of finishing a game Thursday.
He pitched the ninth with the Braves winning 7-2. He allowed a run, and despite it being a non-save situation, Braves manager Brian Snitker thought it was invaluable experience.
“When Viz (Arodys Vizcaino) is down, we may spread it around,” Snitker said. “To that point, where we were, he was going to be out there (up) one run or five runs. Good experience for him. He’d never been out there in that situation I think. And it’s different.”
Minter is the presumed eventual closer, whether that happens later this season or in the future. He’s drawn comparisons with former Braves All-Star Craig Kimbrel for his attacking mindset, demeanor and strikeout expertise.
The 24-year-old owns a 15.6 K/9 ratio with a .433 strikeout per batter faced rate on the season. That combination has been achieved by three relievers in MLB history: Aroldis Chapman (2013, 2014), Kenley Jansen (2011) and Kimbrel (2012, 2017).
“That ninth inning is a different animal,” Snitker said. “Say what you want, it’s a different feel for a relief pitcher to have a lead in the ninth inning to be out there pitching. It was good for him to experience that. Albeit, five runs (ahead), but it’s the ninth inning. That thing could’ve went haywire in a hurry.”
