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OWNED IN: 15% of leagues
ANALYSIS: A.J. Minter was lights out in 2017 with 26 strikeouts in 15 innings and entered the 2018 season as the favorite to displace Arodys Vizcaino as the Atlanta Braves closer. The left-handed Minter started slowly with three walks and zero strikeouts in his first four outings. Since then he has struck out 11 in 8 1/3 innings to get his season back on track. However, he is still having an issue with walks and now has eight in 12 1/3 innings.
Minter got his first save of the season last Wednesday in Cincinnati. Following that, manager Brian Snitker commented that he expects to see Minter get more opportunities in the season. One limiting factor on Minter becoming a full time closer is that Vizcaino has actually been quite good himself in 2018. The fact that Minter is a lefty also presents issues as managers are often hesitant to use their best left-handed relief pitcher as a closer.
However, Minter is now very close to being at least a co-closer for the Braves. Minter is a good add in many fantasy leagues as he is a relief pitcher with a ton of strikeout upside who could also become an extremely good closer as the season progresses.
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