Latest Update On A.J. Minter injury

A.J. Minter has not thrown for the Braves since late May against the Washington Nationals.

Initially, the team stated that he was suffering from “hip inflammation,” with the aim that he would be ready to return as soon as he became eligible after spending the required 15 days on the IL.

That has not been the case. It’s been three weeks since the injury, and A.J. Minter has yet to play at any level, but he appears to be getting close, according to Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“Minter threw a bullpen session Monday,” Toscano writes. “He stated that he will conduct live batting practice Wednesday in Rome against batters from the Braves’ High-A affiliate. He’s expected to play a rehab game for Rome on Saturday.

Toscano further stated that the damage was more serious than just hip irritation. Minter has been battling with a hip impingement, which explains his extended absence – and possibly why his velocity has been down this season.

“Obviously, the velocity has been down a little bit this year,” Minter told Justin Toscano. “I tried to tell the trainers, ‘I just can’t use my legs very well.'” They looked at it and ran all of the tests, and I was experiencing some irritation with any external rotation in my hip.”

Minter’s velocity has remained extremely steady throughout his career. This is his ninth season in the majors, and his fastball average for the season had never been less than 95.5 or greater than 96.6. So far this year, Minter’s heater has averaged 94.9 MPH. It’s not a big change, but this injury explains why, and the IL stint could be a gift in disguise.

Despite his injuries, A.J. Minter has been quite efficient this season, with a 2.95 ERA, 0.984 WHIP, and 9.7 K/9. Like his velocity, it’s slightly below what we’ve come to expect from him, but it’s frightening to think that he could come back even better when the Braves feel him ready to return to Atlanta.

According to reports, this might happen as early as next week.