Atlanta Braves reliever's season in jeopardy due to hip injury

Reliever for the Atlanta Braves AJ Minter will undergo surgery on his left hip, according to several reputable sources. He will likely miss the rest of the season as it is already mid-August. However, manager Brian Snitker said we won't know a more specific timeline until the procedure is completed.

In 39 appearances this season, Minter has a 2.62 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, a 163 ERA+ and 35 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings pitched.

Minter already missed all of June due to an injury to the same hip. He opted not to have surgery at the time and it is now clear that he could not easily rehab that injury.

If he doesn't return this season, it could be the last time he wears a Braves jersey. He is expected to become a free agent in the offseason. Minter was a member of the Braves for his entire eight-year career and was drafted by them in the second round of the 2015 draft.

His ten-year tenure with the franchise may be coming to an end.

Speaking of free agency, this injury presents the 30-year-old left-hander with another problem: his prospects during free agency.

After a strong season, there should still be interest in him, but due to his hip problems, he may not get the value hoped for.

But that's an offseason problem. The Braves couldn't afford to lose another arm long-term. Fortunately, they have more options in the bullpen than anywhere else on the team. Still, that's yet another member battling injuries.

That's another reason to change the roster and the game plan in the later innings. Minter has always been their man in the seventh and eighth innings. It's time to find out who else can shine in those situations.