Braves reinstate LHP A.J. Minter from IL

The Atlanta Braves reinstated left-hander A.J. Minter from the 15-day injured list on Monday and added newly acquired infielder Nicky Lopez to the active roster.

Minter, 29, was placed on the IL earlier this month with inflammation in his pitching shoulder.

In corresponding moves, the Braves optioned RHP AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett and designated infielder Charlie Culberson for assignment.

Minter departed the July 8 game against the Tampa Bay Rays due to what the team termed pectoral tightness. Minter is 3-5 with 10 saves and a 4.91 ERA in 44 appearances.

Smith-Shawver, 20, went 1-0 with a 4.57 ERA in five games (four starts) with the Braves. The Braves are expecting the return of Max Fried soon.

Culberson went 1-for-1 in his only appearance in 2023.

The Braves acquired Lopez from the Kansas City Royals on Sunday in exchange for left-hander Taylor Hearn.