Injury Update: Braves reliever’s injury could end his season.
Braves reliever A.J. Minter is set to undergo surgery to address a left hip issue, according to manager Brian Snitker, as reported by Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Snitker was unsure if the surgery would end Minter’s season, but with less than two months remaining, that possibility cannot be ruled out.
Minter was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday, marking the second time this year he has been sidelined by a left hip problem. He previously missed a month between late May and early July and had only pitched for six weeks before requiring another break. Following a visit to a specialist, it was determined that surgery would be necessary.
If Minter’s season is indeed over, it could also signal the end of his time with Atlanta, as he will become a free agent next offseason. While the Braves have invested significantly in their bullpen, they may try to keep him. They already have Raisel Iglesias, Joe Jiménez, Pierce Johnson, and potentially Aaron Bummer under contract for next year. Decisions will also need to be made about their rotation and possibly upgrading at shortstop, where Orlando Arcia currently plays.
Drafted in the second round in 2015, Minter has been a reliable setup man throughout his career, despite a tough 2019 season. Except for that year, he has consistently allowed fewer than four earned runs per nine innings. This season, he has posted a 2.62 ERA over 34 1/3 innings, with a strikeout rate of 26.1%, slightly below his 2022-23 level but still above average.
With Minter potentially out, the Braves’ bullpen will rely more on Bummer and Dylan Lee. Bummer, acquired from the White Sox in the offseason, has a 3.74 ERA and a 28% strikeout rate. Lee has been even more effective with a 1.96 ERA and nearly 27% strikeout rate over 46 innings. Losing Minter could weaken the Braves’ bullpen during a crucial stretch as they hold a two-game lead over the Mets for the final wild-card spot heading into Wednesday’s game in San Francisco.