Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker still has confidence in reliever A.J. Minter, even though he's accounted for several losses of late.
A.J. Minter's ERA is up to 8.05, as he gave up three hits and two runs to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Minter, previously one of the best relief pitchers in baseball and always reliable for Brian Snitker and Co., has been downright bad so far this season.
Atlanta fans are impatient, and rightly so. The bullpen has been a sore spot on an otherwise impressive start to the season. While the Braves have a solid five-game division lead in the NL East now, the Phillies and Mets are coming.
Braves: Brian Snitker says be patient with A.J. Minter
The Braves are 6-4 in their last ten games, but have lost two straight to the Blue Jays north of the border. For an Atlanta team which has faced a lot of adversity in the form of injuries so far this year, poor play from a pitcher they thought they could rely on is not needed.
"He's a year removed from being one of the most effective relievers in baseball. This game's cruel. It just keeps testing you," Snitker said. "He's just gonna have to keep getting after it and competing…and not be careful."
It sounds like Snitker is suggesting more of the same, which wouldn't be wise for Minter. Hopefully, he's already broken down film of last night's appearance with the team's video analyst, and can learn from his mistakes early this season.
The St. Louis Cardinals had a similar conundrum with Jordan Hicks, and moved him out of high-leverage situations until he figures it out. Could Atlanta do the same with Minter?
Just last season, Minter had a 2.06 ERA and .91 WHIP in 76 appearances. While impressive, those numbers are likely out of reach this season.
