Braves rumors: The (Possible) Return of Mike Minor

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 17: Starting pitcher Lucas Sims
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 17: Starting pitcher Lucas Sims /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 5: Johan Camargo #17 and Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after the game against the Miami Marlins at SunTrust Park on August 5, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 5: Johan Camargo #17 and Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after the game against the Miami Marlins at SunTrust Park on August 5, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Braves Rumors: Roadblocks

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Another roadblock could Minor’s role. By the end of 2017, Minor was closing for the Royals, a role he would likely not immediately step into in Atlanta.  Arodys Vizcaino has the closer’s role on lockdown, with Minter as the apparent heir.  Minor could opt to stick with higher-leverage opportunities from now on instead going back to a setup role.

There will be plenty of competition for Minor’s services.  Then again, new Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos isn’t afraid to make a big splash.

As the Braves examine their offseason to-do list, improving the bullpen sits at the top of the list.  Even with a wave of solid pitching prospects on the horizon, if the new Braves’ brass thinks Minor’s emergence as a shutdown reliever is legitimate and sustainable he could have a tomahawk across his chest for the foreseeable future.  

Next: Braves 2017 Season Review and Offseason Preview

He may not be the solution to all of the Braves’ problems, but the team could do a lot worse than a reunion. Fans in Atlanta hope these Braves rumors are true or it could be another long season.