Atlanta Braves: Luis Avilan Goes Down

March 9, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Luis Avilan (43) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In the process of getting yet another big-time victory, there was a bit of bad news for the Atlanta Braves. Luis Avilan, one of the team’s two left-handed relief pitchers, went down in a heap while attempting to pitch to Billy Butler in the 9th inning. Early word on the injury was a left hamstring “strain”, but with more tests to come (coupled with how bad it looked), it is possible that the issue could be more serious.

Avilan had been spectacular for Atlanta for the past year-plus (all of 2012 and 4.1 innings in 2013), posting an ERA around 2.00 with solid peripherals. This injury hurts worse, however, because of the uncertainty surrounding Jonny Venters, as the team is left with Eric O’Flaherty as the only proven, left-handed option.

Craig Kimbrel entered the game after Avilan’s departure (subsequently slamming the door), but in the midst of the celebration, any die-hard fan had to be thinking of what Avilan’s injury status would mean. Stay tuned for updates as they come in.