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Atlanta Braves Five Underrated Reasons They are Winning

By Kit Anderson

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after connecting on a 3-run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 3, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after connecting on a 3-run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 3, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – APRIL 25: A.J. Minter #33 and Kurt Suzuki #24 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after the 5-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 25, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – APRIL 25: A.J. Minter #33 and Kurt Suzuki #24 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after the 5-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 25, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. A.J. Minter Deserves a Closer’s Role With Hot Start  

A.J. Minter has been another pleasant surprise for the Atlanta Braves. His ability to come in and get quick outs has been a much-needed commodity. An underrated one early in a season with overwhelming hot starts for the roster.

It is no secret I have called more than once for Arodys Vizcaino to move to the 8th inning. Minter has intensity and confidence the Braves’ bullpen needs more of.

He converted his one save chance this season and is pitching lights out. He has five holds on the early season.  Minter has at least earned a look at the closer role and is now sharing duties with Vizcaino, according to manager Brian Snitker.

I wouldn’t expect sharing the closer’s role to last long with Minter’s ability and attitude.  Regardless, he has brought much-needed stability and should earn plenty of credit for his team’s early success.

Look for that to continue setting a tone for the rest of the bullpen.

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