Pierce Johnson offers encouraging words about IL stint

Yesterday, the Braves placed reliever Pierce Johnson on the injured list due to elbow irritation and promoted Jackson Stephens to the active roster.

Any elbow-related ailment will raise some worries. It is frequently a forerunner to a much worse problem, and even if it isn’t, the timescale for recovery remains undetermined. Max Fried missed several months of last season due to elbow discomfort, but he recovered and finished strong. Pierce Johnson, who spoke about his injuries ahead of the Braves’ game against the Dodgers on Saturday night, is hoping that rest would suffice.

"A little extra sore this time. The 'pen has been throwing a lot so it's one of those things where just go on the IL and hopefully knock it out in two weeks."

Braves reliever Pierce Johnson discusses how he's feeling after being placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/7rqM3izxMY

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 4, 2024

The fact that the Braves did not feel Johnson needed an MRI is really promising. As of now, it appears to be nothing more than a little irritant, and the Braves are wisely treading lightly with one of their greatest relievers this early in the season.

Pierce Johnson has had a career renaissance since joining Atlanta at last year’s trade deadline. He concluded the season with a 0.76 ERA and 12.2 K/9 in 22 appearances during the last two months, prompting the Braves to re-sign him in the summer for a two-year contract. Johnson has a 3.00 ERA and 12.0 K/9 through 13 appearances in 2024.