Atlanta Braves catcher Tyler Flowers could be returning soon to the lineup

Braves are on the brink of having their starting catcher back in the lineup

When the Atlanta Braves started off the season in a pickle with their catcher position, everyone began worrying.  After 18 games, we’re not in a bad spot at all.

On Opening Day of the 2018 season, Tyler Flowers exited the game after his first at-bat of the season.  He strained his left oblique, the next day — March 30th — he was placed on the 10-day DL and he hasn’t seen the field since.

The veteran catcher struggled in Spring Training as well.  He only appeared in 10 games this Spring and had 21 at-bats.  He batted .095/.269/.095 with five walks and 10 strikeouts.  He also dealt with a groin injury that slowed him down a bit and why he only played in those few games.

In October of the 2017-2018 offseason, Flowers had two surgeries on his left wrist and forearm.

Not the best past seven months for the 32-year-old.  Hopefully, things are looking better for him.

Last night, during the Braves Broadcast on Fox Sports South, they spoke about Flowers return to the field.  They said it’s very possible he can begin a rehab stint this weekend and that he’s been hitting, catching and doing the normal baseball activities.

Today, when Braves manager spoke with the media, Snitker reiterated these comments…

The Rome Braves have a home series against Augusta this weekend, then travel to West Virginia.  If I had to guess, they wouldn’t send him on that trip.  Maybe a few games with Rome and then promote him to Gwinnett.  Just a guess at this point though.

Snit mentioned when he could return to the Atlanta Braves…”towards the end of the three city road trip”.  This road trip begins on Monday with the Cincinnati Reds and a four game series.  Then, the Braves travel to Philadelphia for the weekend.  The end the road trip in New York against the Mets in a three game series from Tuesday, May 1st through May 3rd.

So as we sit on April 20th, that gives us a little timeline.  Flowers is going to need some time to get everything back.  Remember, the issues during Spring Training and then getting hurt on Opening Day.

Next: Braves DFA'd Lane Adams? Why?

In Flowers absence in 2018, the Braves have used three catchers….Kurt Suzuki, Chris Stewart and Carlos Perez.  Suzuki missed some time after getting hit by a pitch on the wrist.  Stewart has since been DFA’d and is now playing with the Gwinnett Stripers.  Perez has been mostly just catching Mike Foltynewicz.

Suzuki has been playing extremely well — and has since joining the Braves in 2017.  He’s played in 14 games, is hitting .317/.420/.610 with three home runs, three doubles, eight RBIs, and nine runs scored.  What’s even more impressive is how much he’s putting the bat on the ball.  He’s seeing everything so well right now it’s insane.  He’s also only struck out once this year.

We’re on the verge of having both our catchers at 100%, which is awesome!