Atlanta Braves Tyler Flowers exits Opening Day game with left oblique discomfort

Braves catcher, Flowers, leaves game with apparent injury

Things aren’t starting too well for the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.  Braves catcher, Tyler Flowers, had to exit the game during his first at-bat of the season.  Flowers took an awkward swing and immediately looked into the dugout for assistance.

Flowers hasn’t had the best start to the 2018 season nor offseason.  In the winter months, he had two surgeries to his wrist and his forearm.  In the 2018 Spring Training, he dealt with a groin injury that caused him to miss multiple games.

He played in only 10 games this Spring and had 21 at-bats.  He batted .095/.269/.095 with five walks and 10 strikeouts.  Yes, stats don’t matter in the Spring, but that’s pretty bad for our starting catcher and #4 hitter — was projected to be the fourth batter all Spring until on Opening Day Brian Snitker put him fifth.

About 15 minutes following Flowers’ exit from the game, the Braves posted why he left…Flowers is dealing with discomfort in his left oblique.

You’ll see in the video that was posted by FOX Sports, once Flowers swung at the 2-1 pitch, he lets go of the bat and is in noticeable pain.  He looks into the dugout and the training staff comes to check on him.

After a few seconds of small talk, Flowers leaves the field of play and walks to the locker room.

Kurt Suzuki entered the game for the Braves at the catcher position.  It’s a good thing the Braves are carrying three catchers to start the season.

Next: Bad news for Braves LH pitcher Jacob Lindgren

It’s currently unknown if Flowers is day-to-day or if he’ll miss time.  We’ll update once we hear some additional news on our 32-year-old catcher.