Despite the Atlanta Braves enjoying considerable success, their pitching staff, encompassing both starters and the bullpen, has been identified as a significant weakness in recent years. A key figure in the Braves’ relief corps has been A.J. Minter, and an analysis of his 2023 season sheds light on his performance.
In the preceding season, Minter had an impressive record, making 75 appearances and maintaining a 2.06 ERA with 94 strikeouts in just 70 innings. However, some critics deemed his 2023 season a struggle, possibly due to heightened expectations.
During the 2023 campaign, A.J. Minter participated in 70 games, pitching a total of 64.2 innings and achieving a 3.76 ERA. Despite maintaining a high strikeout rate, with 82 strikeouts in his 64.2 innings, his performance was evaluated differently by Braves fans. Nevertheless, Minter proved to be one of Atlanta’s most reliable relievers.
Contrary to expectations, Minter, known for his high-velocity fastball and distinctive left-side delivery, displayed a reverse split pitching style in 2023. His statistics revealed that he performed better against right-handed hitters, who batted .210, compared to left-handed hitters, against whom he allowed an impressive .288 average. This unexpected outcome can be attributed to Minter’s effective use of his cutter.
In the 2023 season, opponents facing Minter had a .236 average, and an impressive 31.5% of the batters he faced were struck out. Despite the changes in the Braves’ roster, particularly in the pitching realm, manager Brian Snitker is expected to continue relying on A.J. Minter in late-game situations to secure crucial outs.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, questions arise about how Snitker will deploy Minter. Will Minter’s reverse split in 2023 influence the timing of his usage, or will he be entrusted in high-leverage situations regardless of the hitters he faces? The strategic decisions regarding Minter’s role will be intriguing to observe in the upcoming season.
