(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves have started off the season on the right foot after falling short in the NLDS against the eventual National League champion Philadelphia Phillies last year.
Currently, Atlanta leads the NL East by three games over the Miami Marlins and New York Mets while also owning the second-best record in the National League at 19-10.
The Braves have accomplished that despite a few injury issues to begin the season.
After losing relief pitcher Kenley Jansen to the Boston Red Sox in free agency, newly-appointed closer Raisel Iglesias was injured in spring training with a shoulder issue.
However, Braves analyst Grant McAuley has a promising update on the veteran closer that will have fans excited.
#Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout at Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday, the second appearance of his rehab assignment. Iglesias, who also appeared on Thursday, has tossed 2 perfect innings thus far. He should rejoin the club this week. pic.twitter.com/uDRZZa2zfF
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) May 1, 2023
Iglesias, 33, was acquired last season at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Angels to become a setup man for Jansen.
He appeared in 28 games with the Braves and posted a microscopic 0.34 ERA.
He also earned 15 holds and a save in his first stint with his new team.
Fortunately for the Braves, it appears as if Iglesias will soon be back.
McAuley noted that the veteran right-hander is expected to make his return at some point later this week.
For his career, Iglesias owns an ERA of 3.00 with a grand total of 157 saves.
He has pitched most of his career with the Cincinnati Reds but joined the Angels in 2021 before moving to the Braves in 2022.
The right-hander had a 4.04 ERA before being acquired by the Braves and ultimately finished the 2022 season with a 2.47 mark along with 17 saves in 21 opportunities.
Getting Iglesias back should be a huge boost for an already strong Atlanta squad.
The post Braves Analyst Provides Encouraging Update On Injured Closer appeared first on The Cold Wire.