The Atlanta Braves faced another setback on Monday with the news that Ray Kerr will undergo Tommy John surgery, adding to their season’s string of unfortunate injuries. Despite these challenges, there are encouraging developments brewing in their minor league system, particularly concerning A.J. Minter and Ian Anderson.
A few weeks back, Minter was placed on the injured list due to a hip impingement, which was recently disclosed. However, he began his rehab assignment last weekend in Rome, where he recorded three strikeouts and conceded an unearned run. According to Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Minter’s next step in his recovery will take place in Gwinnett on Tuesday.
Toscano reports, “Braves reliever A.J. Minter has had his rehab assignment transferred from High-A Rome to Gwinnett, and is scheduled to pitch for the Triple-A Stripers Tuesday when they host Memphis at Coolray Field.”
If Minter’s outing on Tuesday goes smoothly, there’s a possibility he could rejoin the Braves by the end of the week. Additionally, there’s optimism surrounding Ian Anderson, who recently made a comeback appearance after undergoing Tommy John surgery last August. His return to the mound was marked by two flawless innings and four strikeouts in the Florida Complex League. He continued to show promise in his subsequent outing, pitching three innings and striking out three while giving up one run.
Notably, Anderson’s velocity appears to be holding up well, with his fastball averaging around 94 mph and his changeup at 88 mph — figures comparable to his pre-injury levels.
According to Toscano, Anderson is scheduled for another appearance with one of the Braves’ affiliates on Sunday, although the specific team has not yet been confirmed.
These returns represent significant boosts for the Braves. Minter has been a cornerstone of their bullpen for several seasons, and despite some velocity concerns earlier this year, his rehabilitation progress suggests a potential return to form.
As for Anderson, while expectations should be tempered given his lengthy recovery, his reintroduction could provide a crucial lift. At just 26 years old, he already boasts an impressive postseason record with the Braves. A period of rest and rehabilitation might be precisely what he needed to regain his momentum and contribute meaningfully once more.
In sum, while injuries continue to challenge the Braves this season, the impending returns of A.J. Minter and Ian Anderson offer a glimmer of hope. Their progress in rehab assignments suggests they could soon bolster the team’s pitching depth, providing much-needed relief amid a tumultuous campaign.
