The Atlanta Braves starting pitching rotation has been one of the best in the majors so far this season. They have been leading the league in several categories despite a few hiccup games. Now the rotation is getting even stronger as Mike Minor returns. Will his arm show any rust or will the Braves cruise over the San Francisco Giants?
Minor is finally being activated off the disabled list after missing a month due to shoulder soreness. The Braves have not been missing him. They are allowing the fewest hits and runs in the National League. If Minor plays like he did last season, Atlanta will only get better. He went 13-9 with a 3.21 ERA last season. Right now the Braves rotation leads the league with a 2.32 ERA total. Minor finished last year with a 1.09 WHIP while also being 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA over the Giants.
Traditionally, the Giants have struggled against the left-hander. They have never hit a home run against Minor. However, right now the team is swinging the bats well, giving encouragement that they get the job done.The team has homered in its last eight games. They had 34 in the month of April.
The Giants will send Tim Lincecum to the mound. He has struggled this year going 1-1 with a 5.96 ERA. He does have a 2.99 ERA against the Braves, going 7-6 against the team. He had a complete game against the team in 2010. Lincecum has been struggling with playing deep into games recently. He threw 98 pitches in his last outing, but only with four innings and gave up eight hits against Cleveland. That inconsistency has hurt the Giants recently. The Braves are vulnerable after being swept by the Miami Marlins and he could have another big game against the team.