The Atlanta Braves are going to start the 2019 season with two key relievers who were expected to solidify the back of the bullpen starting on the IL.
We heard today that it’s highly unlikely A.J. Minter and Darren O’Day start the season on the active roster.
This news from Mark Bowman comes on the heels of the report that Mike Foltynewicz will miss part of April and Kevin Gausman’s less than sterling performances so far this spring.
O’Day came over last summer with Kevin Gausman as a salary dump by Baltimore. At that time he was still rehabbing after surgery on his foot and didn’t pitch for Atlanta in 2018.
This spring he threw 2/3 of an inning on March 1 but reported the dreaded forearm tightness afterward and hasn’t thrown a pitch since.
The Braves continue to hope Minter at least splits closing duties with Arodys Vizcaino this season, but he hasn’t pitched since March first either, and with his injury history that pairing may not become a reality until May.
Atlanta Braves bullpen men
The absence of O’Day and Minter creates uncertainty at the back of the bullpen – and the middle isn’t rock-solid either.
Shane Carle looks like the best relief find of Alex Anthopoulos’ short tenure. He tired towards the end of last season, but his experience should help him plan to avoid that this season.
It’s much the same for Dan Winkler who started the year like he owned the eighth inning and I wrote that he could easily become a closer. He’ll be a solid piece throughout the year.
Jesse Biddle had a solid season in a middle inning setup role and should retain that this season.
Vizcaino is what he’s always been, a solid setup man who isn’t a disaster in the ninth but can age a manager quickly on days he doesn’t have his best stuff. His history of arm injuries makes it essential the Braves have a backup plan.
Jonny Venters is always one pitch away from another injury. If he stays healthy and Brian Snitker uses him prudently he’ll be a solid piece; after that, it’s a roll of the dice.