Braves' Minor to start season on DL because of shoulder

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Minor will start the season on the disabled list because of inflammation in his pitching shoulder's rotator cuff.

Minor had an injection in his shoulder - he said he didn't know exactly what was injected - and won't throw for two weeks.

''It's just frustrating more than anything,'' Minor said Tuesday.

Minor was bothered by shoulder soreness last spring and didn't make his first big league start until May 2. He finished 6-12 with a 4.77 ERA in 25 starts.

Minor developed tightness after throwing batting practice last week, and the Braves scratched him from what was to be his first exhibition start, Sunday against Houston. An MRI showed inflammation, and Minor was examined Monday by Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

''They say there is nothing wrong structurally,'' Minor said. ''Hopefully, the stretching and shoulder exercises will knock it out. ... There is no tearing or frays. It is just weak, and that is causing it to pinch.''

Braves president of baseball operations John Hart called the diagnosis ''about as good of news as we could have had.''

Atlanta already had an open spot in its rotation behind Julio Teheran, Alex Wood and Shelby Miller. Competing for the openings are Wandy Rodriguez, Eric Stultz, Mike Foltynewicz, Manny Banuelos and Cody Martin.

''I'm glad we have depth,'' Hart said.

Minor pitched 145 innings last season despite missing April and needing several injections during the season.

''I don't think this is like what Mike went through last year,'' Hart said. ''It's an entirely different situation.''