Atlanta Braves: The Domino Effect of Mike Minor Winning the No. 5 Rotation Spot

Despite Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez’s statement upon the arrival of pitchers and catchers that the final spot in the rotation was wide open, Mike Minor had to be considered the incumbent fifth starter entering spring camp.

It appears that his grasp on the final rotation spot has become even more secure after his initial few Spring Training appearances.

Including his most recent start on Tuesday, Minor has thrown nine innings of scoreless baseball.

He has struck out seven batters and even though he has walked four, his command was better on Tuesday, allowing only one batter to reach base via a free pass.

With that last spot in the rotation virtually Minor’s to lose at this point, how will that affect the remainder of the pitching staff?

Teheran and Delgado Pack for Gwinnett

Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado are both still very much in contention for a rotation spot once camp ends, but the competition is among themselves rather than Minor.

A sixth starter, so to speak, will be needed for a few spot starts during the month of April while Tim Hudson recovers from offseason back surgery.

The time in the big leagues for whoever gets the chance to replace Hudson on an interim basis will be short-lived, according to his recent comments in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“I think [May 1] at the latest,” Hudson said. “It’d be hard to say [if he can return earlier] because I’ve got to build up to that. I could be back in April but it might be a four- or five-inning thing. April is my month of spring training games — unless I’m able to pitch sooner here [in camp] than we thought.”

Neither young pitcher is ready for a full schedule of major league starts. More time at Triple-A Gwinnett will allow both pitchers to work on their breaking stuff, as well as fastball command.

Hudson Can Ease Back Into Action

With Minor being able to turn a strong second half of 2011 into a solid beginning to spring training, it alleviates some of the pressure on Hudson to fast-track his recovery, knowing his regular turn in the rotation is in capable hands.

Fifth starters are used less in the month of April than the rest of the season because the Major League Baseball schedule allows for more regular off-days.

With that being the case, Hudson’s scheduled return in early May means that Teheran or Delgado will only be needed sparingly before they get sent back to Gwinnett for more seasoning.

Jurrjens Can Be Traded Without Worry

Recent reports that the 2012 season is likely the last for Chipper Jones and the fact he has already missed multiple spring games in a row due to soreness in his knee could cause trade talks to resurface.

If that happens, Jair Jurrjens will be the most likely trade target available.

With Minor showing signs that he is closing the talent gap between the two pitchers, a proven healthy Jurrjens could ignite some interesting trade possibilities.

Or, the Braves might be willing to add a minor leaguer into the mix with Jurrjens to get a deal done. 

Regardless of how it happens, the Braves will need a reliable bat in the lineup if Chipper misses significant playing time.

Vizcaino Can Remain In the Bullpen Full-Time

A late-inning role is ideal for Arodys Vizcaino for a couple of reasons.

One factor is a track record of injuries, including currently being sidelined with inflammation around the elbow.

He also has two-plus pitches in a 96-98 mph fastball and power curveball, but lacks the third pitch needed to become a starter.

Minor’s ability to stabilize a spot in the rotation along with the impending promotion of Teheran and Delgado allows Atlanta to place Vizcaino in the bullpen knowing the depth of the starting pitching is not affected.

Slot a Lefty in the Middle of the Rotation

It’s safe to say, Minor has been hands down the best pitcher in Braves camp to this point.

Void of another left-handed starter, his strong spring could allow Atlanta to slot him in the middle of the rotation.

Having a lefty slotted third in a right-handed heavy rotation might give the Braves a chance to throw something different at more teams throughout the season.

This scenario would be a radical move by an otherwise conservative manager and front office, so even given the option it’s unlikely the Braves would line up their rotation in such a manner.

Jim Pratt is a Featured Columnist covering the Atlanta Braves for Bleacher Report, MLB contributor for MLBDepthCharts and BravesWire. Follow Jim on Twitter, @2OutSacBunt