The Atlanta Braves are closing in on the return of a big piece of their bullpen. Brian Snitker confirmed Sunday that Will Smith has been cleared to return from the COVID-19 list and completed a side session at Truist Park. Now it is a matter of getting him built back up. Snitker added that Smith will throw off a mound soon and will face hitters in sim games at Gwinnett soon.
Smith was the big acquisition for Alex Anthopoulos this offseason inking him to a three-year, $40 million deal. Smith posted a 2.76 ERA and 96 strikeouts in just 65 1/3 innings last season for the Giants. He was one of four players to test positive for COVID-19 during the team’s intake screening process. Toussaint and Freeman returned early last week.
Snitker didn’t have a timetable for Smith’s return but was hopeful he might be ready by the start of the next road trip which begins on August 7. He didn’t completely close the door on Smith returning during the homestand since he is a reliever.
Injury Updates
Snitker said that both Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud continue to test negative but still aren’t feeling well. They will remain at home and continue to be tested in the short-term.
Snitker didn’t have an update on reliever Mark Melancon saying that he had not yet spoken with trainer George Poulis. Melancon was unavailable for Saturday’s game after a back issue cropped up during the game.