Atlanta Braves left-handed Mike Minor has inflammation in the rotator cuff of his pitching shoulder that will force him to miss opening day.
Minor will not be allowed to throw for two weeks during spring training, but noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Monday found no structural damage to the shoulder.
Braves general manager John Hart said the diagnosis was “about as good of news as we could have had.”
Minor experienced shoulder problems last season that delayed his first start until May 2. He was scratched from his first spring start this year after feeling tightness while throwing batting practice last week.
“I don’t think this is like what Mike went through last year,” Hart said. “It’s an entirely different situation.”
Minor finished last season with a 6-12 record and a 4.77 ERA in 145 innings covering 25 starts.
“They say there is nothing wrong structurally,” Minor said. “Hopefully, the stretching and shoulder exercises will knock it out. … There is no tearing or frays. It is just weak, and that is causing it to pinch.”
Among the pitchers who could fill Minor’s spot until he returns are Wandy Rodriguez, Eric Stults, Cody Martin and Manny Banuelos.