MLB Rumors: White Sox fire sale, Braves concern, Mets preview
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: What’s wrong with A.J. Minter?
Braves fans should cool it on the AJ Minter criticism. While Thursday night’s outing went about as poorly as possible, Minter tried to calm fans nerves by suggesting he’s fine, and next time will be better.
“I’m gonna be okay. I know this team’s gonna be okay. I’ve been through a lot worse. I know how to handle it. And if it’s gonna happen to someone, let it happen to me. We’re gonna be just fine,” Minter said.
Minter had a 4-0 lead to work with against the Miami Marlins. Unfortunately, he took his foot off the gas. FanSided’s Scott Rogust explained this phenomenon:
"“As The Athletic’s David O’Brien points out, Minter’s ERA has increased from 2.00 to 8.53 in his four appearances in the team’s homestand. In his two appearances against the Houston Astros (Apr. 21, 23), Minter gave up five earned runs on five hits in two innings. On Wednesday night against the Marlins, he struck out two batters in one scoreless inning. Minter is stressing to Braves fans that he and the team will be just fine. There’s still plenty of season left, so Braves fans will see if Minter can turn it around.”"
It’s been a tough couple of outings for Minter. Perhaps some rest would do him well, especially once Raisel Iglesias is back in the fold.
Most of Minter’s advanced numbers have looked fine of late. Against Yordan Alvarez and the Astros, Minter located his pitches well, and admitted freely that he threw exactly where he intended. If Minter is hitting location at the same velocity, it’s more than likely not a long-term bug.
The Mets series looms, and hopefully Minter will have a successful outing and quell concerns.