Atlanta Braves C Tyler Flowers out 4-6 weeks with broken hand
By Bryce Koon
Atlanta Braves catcher Tyler Flowers will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken hand. How will his absence impact the Braves?
It looks like another one of the bright spots on this Atlanta Braves team will hit the DL. It was reported on Tuesday that Braves catcher Tyler Flowers will miss 4-6 weeks after a MRI diagnosed him with a broken hand.
It is believed that he injured his hand when he was hit by a pitch on July 1 by Marlins pitcher A.J. Ramos. He re-aggravated the injury after checking his swing in last Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. He left shortly after and was replaced by veteran A.J Pierzynski.
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Flowers had been enjoying a pretty nice year with a slash line of .253/.343/.425 and seven home runs in only 198 plate appearances. He began the year splitting the duties with the 39-year old veteran Pierzynski, but he was starting to see more consistent playing time due to his increased level of play.
He has been a nice surprise for the Atlanta Braves this year, after they signed him to help lead the young pitching staff for the 2016 campaign. He was originally signed to be the backup , but has played well and thrust himself into that starting role. While not being considered a long-term option for the Atlanta Braves, it is very feasible to expect the Braves to keep him around until he can no longer produce how he has so far.
In Flowers‘ absence, Pierzynski will most likely assume the role of starting catcher. IT is assumed that either Anthony Recker or Blake Lalli will be recalled form Triple-A Gwinnett to serve as the backup until Flowers is available to return.
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While the reports say that it will be 4-6 weeks until Flowers will be able to come back, some sources say that it look like a return date in September is more likely. This will be a blow to the Atlanta team who has seen their level of play increase over past month as they have lost OF Mallex Smith and now Tyler Flowers.