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Braves Bullpen Takes Hit as Key Reliever Goes Down

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The Atlanta Braves have been dealt another blow, placing left-handed reliever A.J. Minter on the 15-day injured list with left hip inflammation. Atlanta recalled Dylan Lee from Triple-A Gwinnett to take his roster spot. Minter went on the IL with the same injury in late May and didn’t return until July 3. There is no timeline for Minter to return from his latest hip injury, but the club will now be without him until at least late August. The club isn’t sure if he will be able to return this season.

Braves Recall Dylan Lee, Place A.J. Minter on Injured List

Since returning from the first injury, Minter was pitching well. He allowed three earned runs over 13 innings and was scored on in two of 14 appearances in that span. For the season, Minter has a 2.62 ERA with a 26.1 percent strikeout rate to a 8.2 percent walk rate. Lee, who is also a left-hander, had a 2.00 ERA in 45 major league innings entering Monday. However, Minter was a key reliever in high-leverage situations, who is second on the Braves in holds behind Joe Jiménez. The loss of Minter will make it a challenge for manager Brian Snitker who will need to use someone else to pitch in tight situations.

Atlanta’s recent cold streak has them at 61-56 and in the final spot of rhe National League Wild Card. The New York Mets sit a half game back and other teams are closing in on the Braves in the hunt. It has been a dismal season for the Braves, who have been without various players at different points of the season. Ronald Acuña Jr. Michael Harris II, Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo López are some players who missed time or are out for the season. It’s an unfortunate development for Minter, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Main Photo: © Mady Mertens-USA TODAY Sports

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