Braves Update: Rival’s Star Player Banned; Minter’s Status and Kelenic’s Love for Leadoff

The Atlanta Braves head to St. Louis after clinching a series victory against the formidable Yankees. Despite the perspectives of the New York broadcast team, the Braves offense is poised to arrive in St. Louis with heightened confidence.

Amidst a week of winning baseball for the Atlanta Braves, several significant developments may have gone unnoticed by many fans. However, fear not, as we’ll bring you up to speed on all the latest newsworthy moments right here.

Mets’ star closer suspended for ten games
If you missed last night’s Sunday Night Baseball matchup between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, you might have overlooked a pivotal moment. With the Mets leading 5-2 in the ninth inning, star closer Edwin Diaz took the mound for a save opportunity.

Yet, Diaz didn’t get the chance to throw a single pitch, as the umpires ejected him for what they deemed a sticky substance on his hand. Umpire Vic Carapazza described the substance as “discolored,” ruling it out as rosin or sweat.

Edwin Diaz was ejected for an illegal substance as soon as he entered the game pic.twitter.com/9HPqTqbyHP

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 24, 2024

Following the game, Diaz insisted the substance was merely his usual combination of sweat and rosin. He now faces an automatic ten-game suspension for using sticky substances, with uncertainty about whether he will appeal.

Minter pitches scoreless frame in first rehab appearance
A crucial member of the bullpen, A.J. Minter, landed on the injured list in late May due to hip inflammation. Fortunately, the Braves possess bullpen depth capable of weathering such setbacks.

This past weekend provided a glimpse of Minter’s progress towards a return. He pitched his first rehab inning on Saturday with the High-A Rome Emperors. Although it was only one inning, Minter impressed with three strikeouts and a scoreless outing.

Minter is expected to make several more rehab appearances before rejoining the major league club. While no official timetable has been set by the team, the expectation is for Minter to return to Atlanta in early July.

“My job is to just get on base. I have so many aircraft carrier guys behind me, so just getting on first base I’m in scoring position with those guys.”

Jarred Kelenic discusses his mentality hitting in the leadoff position🔊 pic.twitter.com/f4gUBohZEC

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 17, 2024

Jarred Kelenic thriving in leadoff role
Since the season-ending injury to superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., the Braves have been searching for a suitable leadoff hitter. Initially, they utilized a platoon featuring Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies.

However, Harris II’s absence due to a grade 2 hamstring strain prompted a change. In his place, Jarred Kelenic has assumed leadoff duties while also patrolling center field.

Kelenic has quickly settled into the role, evidenced by his impressive performance over the past week. Since June 15, Kelenic boasts a .324/.351/.647 slash line, along with three home runs, a .417 weighted on-base average (wOBA), a 172 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), and an average exit velocity of 90.9 mph.