A.J. Minter, William Smith To Handle Closing Duties
2 years agoAtlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker stated on Tuesday that relievers A.J. Minter and William Smith will handle closing duties while the team's primary closer, Kenley Jansen (heart), is out. Jansen was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday due to an irregular heartbeat, so he will miss at least the next two weeks. The Braves are fourth in the majors in saves this year with 24, so it's safe to expect the team to have several save chances while Jansen is sidelined. Minter has been more effective than Smith overall this year, pitching to a 1.69 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP -- Smith has a 3.41 ERA and 1.31 WHIP -- but Smith has received five save opportunities while Minter has only earned two. Also, keep in mind that Smith saved 37 games for the team last year. If you need to gamble on just one of the relievers, Smith seems like the favorite for ninth-inning work. However, based on Snitker's report Tuesday, it sounds as if Minter will get his chances as well.
Source: David O'Brien
Source: David O'Brien