A.J. Minter Injury News & Updates

Atlanta reinstated Minter (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Minter will assume the 26-man active roster spot of right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, who was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after making a spot start in Sunday's win over the Brewers. The southpaw had been on the shelf since the All-Star break due to shoulder inflammation but received the green light to rejoin Atlanta after tossing a pair of scoreless innings over his two rehab appearances with Gwinnett. He should settle back in as one of the top setup men for closer Raisel Iglesias.

Minter (shoulder) will make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Minter has been on the injured list since mid-July due to mild left shoulder inflammation, but he felt good after throwing a bullpen session Saturday. His rehab assignment should be the final step in his recovery process before he's cleared to rejoin Atlanta's bullpen.

Minter (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Minter felt good during and after the workout, and manager Brian Snitker said he could soon head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 29-year-old reliever has been on the injured list since July 15 due to mild left shoulder inflammation.

Atlanta placed Minter on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left shoulder inflammation, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Minter was pulled from his last appearance July 8 with pectoral tightness, but it now seems to be his shoulder that is bothering him. The team seems to be taking a cautious approach with Minter's injury so it is likely that Minter will be able to return when he's first eligible July 27. Dereck Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move.

Minter exited his appearance Saturday against the Rays due to left pectoral tightness, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Minter was lifted after facing one batter in the eighth inning. He and the team have both suggested that the injury isn't serious and that he exited out of precaution. Even so, he may be unavailable for Sunday's contest, which would give him six days to heal across the All-Star break. w

Minter exited Saturday's game against the Rays with an apparent injury, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Minter was called upon to work the eighth inning while protecting a four-run lead. He retired the first batter he faced but was forced from the game immediately after. The nature of the issue is currently unclear.

Minter struck out the only batter he faced to record his 10th save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Tigers during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Raisel Iglesias worked the ninth inning in the matinee in a non-save situation, so Minter got the call in the nightcap after Joe Jimenez had breezed through the eighth and got the first two outs in the ninth. The southpaw has three saves in his last four games, and while Iglesias remains Atlanta's closer, manager Brian Snitker will likely continue to turn to Minter when the former is unavailable. His current form likely has something to do with that trust -- over his last eight appearances he's allowed just one hit, a solo home run, and has a 9:1 K:BB through 7.2 innings.

Minter earned a save against the Nationals on Saturday, allowing one run on one hit in one inning.

Closer Raisel Iglesias pitched each of the previous two days for Atlanta, so Minter was called upon to close things out with the team up by three runs in the ninth inning. Minter served up a homer to Stone Garrett to begin his outing but retired the next three batters to close things out. It was the second save in four days for Minter, who is now up to nine on the season. He's clearly Atlanta's first choice to close when Iglesias is unavailable, but that likely won't amount to enough opportunities to notch more than a handful of additional saves the remainder of the campaign.

Minter earned a save over the Mets on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Minter worked as Atlanta's closer early in the campaign, but coming into Wednesday he hadn't picked up a save in over a month. However, Raisel Iglesias had pitched on three of the past four days, so Minter was summoned from the bullpen to protect a 7-5 lead in the ninth inning. The southpaw needed just 10 pitches to retire all three batters he faced and close out the contest. Minter hasn't given up a run over his past six outings, but he's not likely to see many more save chances with Iglesias in firm control of the team's closer role.

Minter (3-5) collected the win in Sunday's come-from-behind victory over the Diamondbacks, striking out one in two-thirds of an inning without allowing a run.

He needed 10 pitches (seven strikes) to notch the final two outs of the eighth inning and preserve a one-run deficit, making Minter the pitcher of record when Eddie Rosario launched a grand slam in the top of the ninth. The southpaw has struggled with his consistency this season, and since Raisel Iglesias returned from the IL in early May and reclaimed the closer role, Minter has a 5.06 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 10.2 innings.

Minter allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 6-3 win over Miami.

Minter's had some trouble in recent outings, but Atlanta's lead was never in danger Thursday. This was just his third scoreless effort in his last seven appearances. He's now at a 7.47 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 19:3 K:BB across 15.2 innings this season, and he's also gone 7-for-9 in save chances.

Minter earned a save in the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one batter over one inning.

Minter inherited a 9-7 lead in the ninth inning and retired the first two batters he faced. Eduardo Escobar then tagged him for a solo homer, but Minter got Brett Baty to line out to end the contest and earn the save. Despite the successful outcome, the run the southpaw allowed marked the fourth time in his past five outings that he has been scored upon. Over that stretch, Minter has taken three losses and a blown save while allowing 11 earned runs across 4.2 frames. With Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) expected back by the end of the week, Minter probably won't hang onto the closer role much longer.

Minter (1-3) took the loss in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Marlins. He allowed five runs on five hits while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning.

Minter entered the ninth inning with a 4-0 lead. He'd ultimately surrender five runs on five hits en route to a 5-4 loss. Minter has struggled mightily recently, allowing 10 earned runs in his last 3.2 innings. His ERA is up to 8.53 with a 1.42 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB while going 5-for-7 in save opportunities. Minter was likely to lose the closing role with Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) nearing a return, though his recent performance may force Atlanta to expedite a change in the back of their bullpen.

Minter picked up the save Wednesday against the Marlins. He allowed no runs on no hits and no walks while striking out two over one inning.

Minter bounced back from a poor last two appearances, posting a clean inning to secure the win for Atlanta while fanning two. Prior to Wednesday's outing, Minter had allowed five runs in two innings and took the loss in each contest. the 29-year-old has struggled as a replacement for Rasiel Iglesias, having blown two saves and owning a 5.25 ERA through 12.0 innings.

Minter (1-2) blew the save and took the loss Sunday, coughing up three runs on three hits and a walk in one inning as Atlanta fell 5-2 to the Astros. He struck out three.

It was a tough outing for the southpaw, who entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the eighth inning and promptly allowed a two-run single to Yordan Alvarez to tie the game. Minter then gave up another run himself before getting the hook in the ninth and watching Danny Young allow two of the runners he inherited to cross the plate. Minter has been tagged for five runs over his last two appearances, sending his ERA soaring to 5.73, and he's just 4-for-6 in converting save chances. With Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) set to throw live batting practice Monday before embarking on a rehab assignment, Minter's stint as closer could be ending on a sour note.

Minter picked up a save against San Diego on Monday with a scoreless inning of work during which he struck out one batter.

Minter entered the contest in the ninth frame with Atlanta up two runs. The southpaw needed just 10 pitches to retire the side in order and secure a save for the second straight day. Minter has been very effective as Atlanta's closer with Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) on the injured list, going 4-for-5 in save chances and posting a 2.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 8:2 K:BB over nine innings. Iglesias is likely to be out for at least another week, so Minter will retain short-term fantasy value, though there's a strong chance that he'll be cast back to a setup role once Iglesias returns.

Minter picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning to close Sunday's victory over the Royals. He had one strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner.

Minter entered the ninth inning protecting a 5-4 lead and quickly retired Matt Duffy and Nicky Lopez before striking out Bobby Witt to earn his fourth save. Minter has allowed only two runs through eight innings of relief work and has converted on three of four save opportunities this season.

Minter earned the save against the Reds on Wednesday with a perfect inning of work during which he struck out one batter.

After Atlanta took a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, the team turned to Minter to close things out in the ninth. He needed just 13 pitches to do so, retiring the side in order and fanning Jonathan India to record the final out. Minter has converted two of three save chances this season and has held the opponent scoreless in all but one of his seven outings thus far.

Minter allowed two runs on three hits in one inning during Monday's win over the Reds. He was charged with a blown save.

Minter was tasked with protecting a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning but he quickly gave it up before recording an out. He escaped before the Reds could take the lead and Atlanta ended up winning in the 10th inning on Sean Murphy's walkoff shot. Minter had tossed five shutout innings with one save prior to Monday's poor outing.

Minter (1-0) picked up the win in Thursday's 7-6 victory over the Padres, giving up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning while striking out one.

The southpaw walked the first batter he faced in the top of the ninth and put runners on first and second with one out, but Minter coaxed a double play out of Xander Bogaerts to escape the jam. He was then rewarded with the win after Orlando Arcia's walkoff single in the bottom of the frame. Minter hasn't allowed a run through four innings to begin the season, collecting a win and and save in his four appearances, and with Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) still not throwing, his stint as Atlanta's closer should last at least another couple weeks, if not right on into May.

Minter picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning to close out Tuesday's 4-1 victory over St. Louis. He had one strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner.

Minter needed just 11 pitches to retire the side in order and secure his first save of the season. The left-hander is coming off a dominant 2022 campaign during which he had a 2.06 ERA and 94:15 K:BB across 70 innings, and he should continue to operate as Atlanta's fill-in closer until Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) is able to return from the injured list.

Minter walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Thursday's during a 7-2 win over the Nationals.

Atlanta was only up 4-2 heading into the top of the ninth but tacked on three more runs in its half of the frame, erasing the save situation for Minter. It's still reassuring that he was the clear choice to close out of the game for manager Brian Snitker, but with Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) hoping to return in mid-April, there may be only a handful of save opportunities for Minter before he gets bumped back to a setup role.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said Thursday that Minter "obviously would be the obvious guy" to fill in at closer while Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) is sidelined, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Snitker did backtrack a bit after that, adding that "it may be a matchup scenario-type thing." Still, it seems telling that Minter is the first guy that came to mind when the manager was asked the question, likely putting him at the top of the pecking order. Joe Jimenez is probably next in line. Atlanta is hopeful that Iglesias will need only a minimum stay on the injured list.

Minter could be in line to close for Atlanta while Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) is sidelined.

Iglesias will be shut down for the next week while he deals with low-grade inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Minter has had a rough spring but still seems like the most probable fill-in for Iglesias after posting a brilliant 2.06 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 94:15 K:BB over 70 innings in 2022. Joe Jimenez is also a candidate.

Minter gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

Not that it means much, but Minter did pick up the save. The southpaw will be one of Raisel Iglesias' primary setup men this season and one of the top high-leverage options in the Atlanta bullpen, and in that role in 2022, Minter piled up a league-leading 35 holds with five wins and five saves in addition to his stellar 2.06 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 34.7 percent strikeout rate.

Minter signed a one-year, $4.2875 million contract with the Braves on Friday to avoid arbitration.

Minter was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2022, collecting a 2.06 ERA, five saves and a 94:15 K:BB over 70 innings. He'll presumably enter 2023 behind Raisel Iglesias in the pecking order for saves in Atlanta's bullpen but is worthy of a mixed-league roster spot in fantasy leagues, anyway.

Minter walked one and struck out one in a third of an inning Friday to record his fifth save of the season in an 8-4 win over the Nationals.

Will Smith began the ninth inning with Atlanta ahead 8-1, but his struggles forced manager Brian Snitker to turn to Minter to quash a Washington rally as Kenley Jansen had pitched each of the prior two days. Over his last 10 appearances, a stretch that includes all five of his saves plus three of his 18 holds, Minter sports a 2.16 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB through 8.1 innings.

Minter earned the save Tuesday, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning of a 4-1 win over the Mets.

Minter struck out Eduardo Escobar and then retired the last two batters on groundouts. The lefty has picked up three saves while Kenley Jansen (chest) has been on the injured list. With Jansen likely to return Wednesday, Minter should return to a setup role and may receive the occasional save chance.

Minter saved Saturday's 4-3 win against the Nationals, allowing two hits while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Minter was called upon to protect a one-run lead and delivered, although the final out came with Josh Bell at the plate and two runners on base. Both Minter and Will Smith have picked up saves with Kenley Jansen (chest) injured and there could be a few more opportunities with Jansen set to return July 12. The lefty has been excellent with a 1.70 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 37 innings across 40 appearances.

Minter picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals, allowing no runs on one hit while striking out one and walking none across one inning.

Minter picked up his second save of the season in Wednesday's outing. Both of his saves have come with Kenley Jansen on the injured list. Prior to Jansen's stint on the IL, Minter was used primarily as a set-up man, and he will likely return to that role once Jansen returns. Minter has pitched well this year as his ERA sits at 1.80.

Minter struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday to record his first save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Phillies.

With Kenley Jansen out of commission due to an irregular heartbeat, Atlanta will turn to its top two setup men in Will Smith and Minter to handle closing duties. The latter got the first crack at an opportunity, but it's not yet clear whether he will be the primary option for saves as Smith had pitched on four of the prior six days, and Minter may have simply been the fresher arm. The 28-year-old has done nothing this season to suggest he can't handle high-leverage spots, however, riding his high 90s fastball and plus cutter to a 1.64 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 44:5 K:BB through 33 innings.

Minter and Will Smith are viewed as the top candidates to pick up saves for Atlanta after closer Kenley Jansen was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to an irregular heartbeat, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Jansen has previously missed action during the 2011, 2012 and 2018 season on account of cardiac issues, so he'll likely need medical clearance from doctors before making his return from the IL following his latest recurrence of an irregular heartbeat. According to Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jansen will still able to throw bullpen sessions while he's on the shelf, leaving Atlanta optimistic that he'll be sidelined for only a brief period of time. However long Jansen is out, Minter could be thrust into the closer mix, even though Smith has more experience in the role and is coming off a 37-save campaign in 2021. However, with Smith's effectiveness having waned as he's moved into more of a setup role in 2022, manager Brian Snitker could be inclined to give a look in the ninth inning to Minter, who has arguably been Atlanta's best reliever this season. The lefty sports an outstanding 1.69 ERA and supports it with strong peripherals (31.7 K-BB%, 1.92 SIERA). He's also held his own against

Minter worked two-thirds of an inning without being charged with a run to record his 14th hold of the season in Friday's win over the Pirates.

He did allow a sacrifice fly to Cal Mitchell after entering the game in the eighth inning with runners on second and third and only one out, but Pittsburgh's rally got no further. Minter has been Atlanta's most reliable setup man this season in front of closer Kenley Jansen, posting a 1.05 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 35:4 K:BB through 25.2 innings, and his 14 holds leads the majors, putting him one ahead of the Brewers' Devin Williams and the Angels' Ryan Tepera.

Minter struck out one in a perfect eighth inning Monday to record his third hold of the season in a 5-2 win over the Mets.

The 28-year-old southpaw continues his strong start to the season in a setup role, posting a 2.79 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB through 9.2 innings. Tyler Matzek is the current holds leader for Atlanta with six, largely due to his usage as a situational lefty, but Minter appears to be the top choice when manager Brian Snitker wants one of his portside flamethrowers to begin an inning and protect a lead. Surprisingly, Will Smith is the one who has been deployed primarily in high-leverage spots when Atlanta doesn't hold a lead -- he has only one hold and one save so far, after piling up 37 saves in 2021.

Minter and Atlanta agreed Tuesday on a one-year, $2.2 million contract to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Minter was one of three arbitration-eligible relievers that came to terms with the reigning World Series champions Tuesday, with Sean Newcomb ($900,000) and Tyler Matzek ($1.4 million) also getting contracts for 2022. Once viewed as a potential closer of the future for Atlanta, Minter has settled into more of a middle-relief or setup role for the club across the past three seasons. He accrued a career-high 23 holds in 2021 while finishing with a 3.78 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 57:20 K:BB in 52.1 innings.

Minter (1-0) allowed one run on three hits and no walks while striking out three in 2.2 innings to earn the win over the Astros in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.

Minter entered Tuesday's matchup after Charlie Morton was removed with a fractured fibula, and he had plenty of insurance since Atlanta combined to score five runs across the first three innings. The southpaw has been dominant during the postseason and has recorded a 0.90 ERA and 0.70 WHIP in 10 innings across six appearances.

Minter (3-6) earned the win Sunday against the Padres after recording the final out of the fifth inning.

Minter entered the game to face Trent Grisham and tamed him down with just two pitches -- that would be everything he'd need to claim his third win of the campaign. The left-hander hasn't pitched more than one inning in any of his last seven appearances but has looked impressive of late, and he's riding a streak of six straight scoreless outings. He owns a 3.24 ERA across 10 appearances (8.1 innings) this month.

Minter (2-6) allowed a hit and an unearned run through an inning of work, taking the loss in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat to the Rockies.

Minter entered in the top of the tenth inning to preserve a 2-2 tie. After Dom Nunez moved ghost runner Colton Welker to third, Minter gave up a single to Raimel Tapia that plated what would end up being the winning run. After not allowing a run (unearned or otherwise) in seven August appearances, the left-hander has allowed four runs in five September outings.

Minter (2-4) allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the win Friday versus San Francisco.

Minter was the beneficiary of Atlanta's four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning, as it put the team ahead for the first time in the contest. Since he was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Aug. 10, the southpaw has logged 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out 11. He's lowered his overall ERA to 4.05 with a 1.33 WHIP and 48:17 K:BB in 40 innings, and he's also picked up 21 holds in 48 outings.

Minter was recalled by Atlanta on Tuesday.

Minter cruised to a 0.83 ERA last season but recorded a much worse 4.86 ERA in 33.1 innings this year before being sent down in mid-July. He's clearly too good for the Triple-A level, however, as he didn't allow a single hit in 7.1 scoreless innings of work before earning his trip back to the big leagues. He should fill a mid-leverage role for now. Shane Greene was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Minter was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Minter was charged with the loss and the blown save against the Rays on Sunday after he allowed two runs on two hits and no walks in a third of an inning. He's now given up three runs in one inning across his two appearances after the All-Star break, and he'll attempt to sort things out in the minors going forward.

Minter (1-3) took the loss Tuesday as Atlanta was downed by the Mets, giving up one run on two hits over an inning of relief. He struck out two.

The lefty has had an erratic June, posting a 5.79 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 9.1 innings despite a strong 9:1 K:BB, but he does have five holds in 12 appearances. Minter remains a key part of Atlanta's set-up crew in front of closer Will Smith, but his overall numbers have taken a massive step backwards from 2020.

Minter (1-2) took the loss Wednesday as Atlanta fell 5-3 to the Nationals, giving up one run on one hit over one inning.

The left-hander made only one real mistake while working the eighth inning in a 3-3 tie, but Yan Gomes put it over the fence. Minter has been struggling lately, coughing up eight runs (five earned) over his last seven appearances and 4.2 innings, and on the season he sports a 4.35 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 23:10 K:BB through 20.2 frames with 11 holds.

Minter (1-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Tuesday against the Blue Jays after allowing three runs on three hits while failing to get an out.

Minter came in to begin the eighth preserving a one-run lead but could not get the job done. He allowed the first three batters to reach base before Vladimir Guerrero notched an RBI single off him to tie the game. He was taken out in favor of Jacob Webb who allowed two more runs to score, both of which were charged to Minter. Tuesday was the first time he's allowed a run since April 15 as he's been fairly reliable for most of the season so far. His ERA now stands at 4.50 and his WHIP shot up to 1.19 but his role as Atlanta's setup man should still be safe for the time being.

Minter has a 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 6:1 K:BB through five innings while recording a hold and a blown save to begin the season.

The left-hander has seen heavy usage so far, appearing in five of Atlanta's first nine games, and other than a stumble against the Nats, Minter has looked sharp in a high-leverage role. Will Smith has a fairly firm hold on the closer job, but if he were out of the saves picture, Minter would be one of the top candidates to step in.

Minter is expected to handle a high-leverage role this season, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The southpaw bounced back from a brutal 2019 to post a 0.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 27.2 percent strikeout rate across 21.2 innings last year as he got his career back on track. Fellow lefty Will Smith is the likely closer for Atlanta, and Chris Martin is the top right-handed option in the team's late-inning mix, but Minter should still find himself working in plenty of high-leverage spots if he can at least maintain the improvements he showed with his control and command. He recorded a career-high 12 holds in 2018, but Minter could blow past that figure in 2021.

Minter and the Braves agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal Friday, avoiding arbitration, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Minter didn't add to his 20 career saves last season but still had quite a strong campaign. He allowed just two earned runs in 21.2 innings, good for a 0.83 ERA, while his 28.2 percent strikeout rate was his best mark since his 15-inning debut back in 2017.

Minter will start Game 5 of the NCLS against the Dodgers on Friday, 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

The Braves will employ a bullpen game as they attempt to close out the series, and Minter will be the first man to take the mound. The left-hander had a 0.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB over 21.2 innings during the regular season, and he's given up a solo homer with three strikeouts and one walk across 2.1 postseason frames.

Minter (1-0) was perfect over 1.2 innings Sunday, striking out four and earning the win versus the Phillies.

Minter was the third pitcher of the game for the Braves, and he was able to finish off the fourth inning cleanly. He then pitched a clean fifth and was credited with his first result of the year. The 26-year-old reliever has a stellar 0.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 15 strikeouts through 12.1 innings this season. Minter has added three holds.

Minter worked a scoreless seventh inning in his season debut in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Mets, working around a hit and striking out two.

Minter entered the contest with the Braves trailing 2-1 and was able to acquit himself well in the 20-pitch frame. The hard-throwing lefty saved 15 games for the Braves back in 2018, but control issues and injuries have resulted in him moving down the bullpen pecking order since then. Mark Melancon is beginning the season as the Braves' closer, and Will Smith (illness) will loom as the next man up once he's activated from the COVID-19 injured list.

Minter was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Minter struggled in the majors last season with a 7.06 ERA and 2.01 WHIP over 29.1 innings, which resulted in a trip to the minors. The 26-year-old will begin 2020 with Triple-A Gwinnett due to the Braves' abundance of bullpen options, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Minter back in the major-league bullpen if injuries occur.

Minter (shoulder) retired two of the four hitters he faced in his spring debut Saturday in the Braves' 1-1 tie with the Rays. He struck out one and allowed an unearned run on a base hit and a walk.

Minter has been eased into workouts this spring after he concluded a rough 2019 on the 60-day injured list due to a bout with left shoulder inflammation. His appearance Saturday signals that he's healthy, but Minter may find himself on the outside looking in for a spot in the Braves' Opening Day bullpen. Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, six pitchers are already assured spots in the Braves' projected eight-man bullpen, and Minter may be somewhat redundant as a second left-handed option behind Will Smith.

Minter (shoulder) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Manager Brian Snitker provided an update on Minter on Friday saying that he was healthy and throwing well, and he's now on tap to debut Saturday. The 26-year-old was shut down at the end of last season with shoulder inflammation, and the Braves have brought him along slowly this spring as a precautionary measure. Minter isn't a lock to make the Opening Day roster, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him in the majors at some point in 2020, even though he may not play a prominent role in the bullpen.

Manager Brian Snitner said Thursday that Minter (shoulder) is healthy and throwing well, but the lefty isn't expected to make his Grapefruit League debut until next week, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The Braves are bringing Minter along slowly coming off a tough 2019 season that concluded in early September, when he was shut down with shoulder inflammation. While it's encouraging that Minter has seemingly moved past that injury, the 26-year-old doesn't look like he'll be entrusted with a key role out of the Atlanta bullpen right away, even if he cracks the Opening Day roster. Minter still has two minor-league options remaining, so he could be a candidate to open the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.