Braves closer Raisel Iglesias to start season on IL with ‘low-grade’ shoulder inflammation

Atlanta BravesRaisel Iglesias has “low-grade” shoulder inflammation and will start the season on the injured list, the team said Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Iglesias, 33, will not throw for seven days.
• The right-hander has tossed four innings in spring training, allowing two earned runs.
• He posted a 2.47 ERA and .968 WHIP last season across 35 2/3 innings with the Angels and 26 1/3 with the Braves.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Iglesias shouldn’t miss much time

After Iglesias reported soreness when he threw during a workout at North Port on Thursday, the Braves sent him for an MRI that showed nothing structurally wrong with the shoulder. The diagnosis was mild inflammation within the muscle, and the Braves hope that by finding it early before the situation worsened, seven days of rest (no throwing) and anti-inflammatories will alleviate the issue.

If so, it’s possible Iglesias could return soon after a 15-day minimum IL stint, though it’s too early to know the likelihood of that. — O’Brien

Who closes in his absence?

The Braves are better equipped than many teams to handle such an injury because of bullpen depth and the presence of several pitchers with closer experience. The obvious choice is lefty A.J. Minter, who converted 15 of 17 saves as a rookie in 2018 and has been one of MLB’s top high-leverage relievers since late in the 2021 season.

Nick Anderson could be a factor, though the Braves were bringing him along slowly after elbow issues with the Tampa Bay Rays, and had planned to have him start the season in Triple A. He’s looked good this spring and could instead be added to the Opening Day roster. — O’Brien

Anyone else?

Joe Jiménez had 20 saves in the past five seasons with Detroit and Kirby Yates was an All-Star closer with San Diego in 2019, but both have been erratic this spring. The Braves plan to have Jiménez be a big part of their bullpen, but closing at the beginning of the season might be pushing it, considering his spring. Yates is still working to regain form after missing parts of three seasons following his second Tommy John surgery; he allowed multiple hits and runs in two of his past four spring outings.

Manager Brian Snitker might go with several pitchers in best matchups to close until Iglesias returns. Still, Minter seems like the best bet for now. — O’Brien

Backstory

Atlanta acquired Iglesias from Los Angeles at the trade deadline last year in exchange for pitchers Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson. Iglesias is owed $16 million annually from 2023 to 2025.

He spent the first six years of his career with the Reds. He has a 3.00 career ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 157 saves.