Braves reliever A.J. Minter is headed for surgery to address a left hip issue, manager Brian Snitker told reporters (including Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Snitker did not know whether the procedure will end Minter’s season, but that at least seems in question with less than two months to play.
Atlanta placed the southpaw on the 15-day injured list on Monday. It was the second time this year that a left hip problem had shelved him. Minter missed a month between the end of May and beginning of July. He pitched for six weeks before the injury required another shut down. Minter visited a specialist this week and that examination evidently revealed he’ll need to undergo surgery.
If this does conclude his season, it might also mark the end his tenure in Atlanta. Minter will be a free agent for the first time in his career next offseason. The Braves haven’t been afraid to invest in their bullpen, so perhaps they’ll make an effort to retain him. They already have Raisel Iglesias, Joe Jiménez, Pierce Johnson and (via affordable club option) Aaron Bummer under contract for next year. They’ll also need to make some decisions regarding their rotation and potentially look to upgrade on Orlando Arcia at shortstop.
A second-round pick in 2015, Minter has been one of the better setup options in the league over his career. He had a disastrous 2019 season but otherwise has allowed fewer than four earned runs per nine in every year. Minter has generally pitched in medium to high-leverage spots. He’s had another nice season when healthy, working to a 2.62 ERA across 34 1/3 frames. His 26.1% strikeout rate is down a bit from its 2022-23 level but remains a few points better than league average.
The Braves have Bummer and Dylan Lee as their two southpaws in the bullpen. Bummer has had a strong year after coming over from the White Sox in an offseason trade, striking out 28% of opponents with a 3.74 ERA. Lee has arguably been even better, working to a 1.96 mark while striking out nearly 27% of batters faced across 46 frames. That’s still a good duo, but losing Minter for the stretch run thins the middle innings mix at a time when Atlanta is clinging to a playoff spot. The Braves go into tonight’s matchup in San Francisco with a two-game cushion on the Mets for the final Wild Card position.
The Braves still have Ken Giles in aaa.
One could say that AJ is no longer in “Mint” condition.
Smith-Shawver would have been an apropos replacement for Minter, I think that’s a given.
Braves and Dodgers in a serious competition for most WAR lost to injury in a single season.
Most of the players have a significant history of injuries besides Mookie breaking his hand. Dodgers in particular new what they where getting into and signed like 15 starting pitchers because they can’t keep them healthy. This is the dangers of signing all of the young players to long term extensions.
I would say hip surgery would have to end his year. A rough comeback.
Good luck in 2025.
Bummer….will be getting more hold situations.
“Arguably been better”- no. There’s no argument. He has been better because he’s allowed nearly 2 less runs per nine innings. Whether that’s sustainable is another question. I’d hate to use only era for a reliever but there comes a time when it’s necessary to point out the obvious. I know Bummer has a great FIP and hasn’t given up a barrel all year (or hadn’t last time I heard). It’s impressive. We have to give some consideration to actual results tho.
Peace. The season was over in April
Thanks for everything AJ. Pretty sure he’s thrown his last pitch for ATL.
Best of luck AJ!!
The only way I see him back with the Braves is at a discount or if we trade away Iglesias, which I doubt we will do.
I think it’s time to call up Giles to see what he has left in the tank