Mike Minor's final line of four runs in six innings pitched was an improvement from his previous four starts where he allowed at least six runs in each. Still four solo home runs with three coming of the back-to-back-to-back variety in a 4-1 loss to the Reds does little to ease concerns.
Following the game Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez chose to focus on the improvements Minor made instead of the homers.
"It's a teaching moment, a good moment for him to go back out there. He only gave up four solo home runs. I thought the kid pitched OK. It was a good chance for him to go back out there and hang around. We keep talking to our pitchers about just hang around, give yourself a chance to win a ballgame.
"I thought he did better in that fifth and sixth inning. His breaking ball started to have more depth to it. Hopefully he carries this on to his next start and keeps getting better and learns from it."
With Jair Jurrjens struggling at Triple-A and the Braves playing despite Minor's struggles it appears that he is safe now to try and work through his struggles while in the majors.
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