Max Fried, A.J. Minter headline Atlanta Braves prospects headed to minor league camp

The Atlanta Braves have participated in 18 Spring Training games and that is an indication that the 2017 regular season is near. As you might imagine, a flurry of cuts is on the way and, according to reports, four players will be headed to minor league camp.

Those names all come from the pitching ranks in the form of Max Fried, A.J. Minter, Aaron Blair and Lucas Sims.

No name included would be classified as surprising. Fried is perhaps the most interesting prospect, but the 23-year-old was not seen as a legitimate possibility to join the 2017 rotation even with a strong performance (4 IP, 0 ER, 5 K) in Spring. Minter is seen by many as a potential late-inning bullpen option later in 2017 but the youngster dealt with some arm issues earlier in camp and that likely eliminated any notion of a sleeper inclusion on Opening Day.

As for Blair and Sims, both right-handers are seen as likely starters in Gwinnett to begin the season. Blair struggled to a 6.23 ERA across four appearances and 8.2 innings in Spring Training, with Sims allowing four earned runs in seven innings of work.

UPDATE: The Braves have now confirmed that seven players will be heading to minor league camp. The total set is:

• Aaron Blair
• Akeel Morris
• Lucas Sims
• Johan Camargo
• Max Fried
• A.J. Minter
• Travis Demeritte