Any elbow related injury is going to raise some concerns. It can often be a precursor to a much bigger issue, and even if it isn’t, the timetable for recovery is unknown. Last season, Max Fried missed several months with elbow inflammation, but he was able to return and finish the year strong. The hope is that rest is all that’s needed for Pierce Johnson, who commented on the injury ahead of the Braves Saturday night clash with the Dodgers.
The fact that the Braves didn’t even feel the need for Johnson to have an MRI is extremely encouraging. As of now, it seems like nothing more than just some irritation, and the Braves are wisely taking things cautiously with one of their best relievers this early in the season.
Pierce Johnson has experienced a career resurgence since coming to Atlanta after they traded for him at least year’s deadline. He finished last season with a 0.76 ERA and 12.2 K/9 in 22 appearances over the final two months, which led to the Braves re-signing him in the offseason to a two-year pact. So far in 2024, Johnson boasts a 3.00 ERA and 12.0 K/9 over 13 appearances.
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