Jurrjens Could Make Next Start; Saito Could Return by Weekend

I know this is nothing new, but I figured I’d get it out there anyway. According to David O’Brien, Jair Jurrjens has a slight meniscus tear in his knee and should be able to make his next start. In no way can this help Jurrjens’ struggles, but I would rather take my chances with him than what you already know you’d get from Brandon Beachy or Mike Minor.

Speaking of which, I surely hope Minor made his last start of 2010 last night. Whether it is fatigue, not trusting his stuff or whatever, he doesn’t have it and should not be thrown out there in the middle of a postseason race. His starts are killing the Braves. As for other options, I would rather see Beachy, though you can’t expect much better results, but at least luck is still on his side at this point. I wouldn’t mind seeing four innings from Cristhian Martinez, for that matter. Either way, the Braves need to shut Minor down.

Also from the AJC, Takashi Saito has shoulder tendinitis and could return as soon as this weekend. He probably won’t be a factor for the remainder of the regular season, but it’s good that he’s at least an option, especially after how much the bullpen is being used in the Philadelphia series.