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Woooo!! Braves win, Braves win.
Okay, now that we have gotten that out of our system...not all was well during the Braves’ first game of the 2018 season. In addition to being down early before an epic comeback, the Braves’ decision to carry three catchers proved to be prescient as the Braves’ starting catcher, Tyler Flowers, had to leave the game early during an at-bat where he took an awkward swing. Flowers did not even attempt to finish his at-bat and immediately went back to the locker room.
A short while later, it was learned that he left with an oblique injury. Kurt Suzuki and Chris Stewart finished the game out for the Braves’ behind the plate. After the game, Braves’ manager Brian Snitker was asked about Flowers’ injury, it wasn’t particularly good news.
Snit said he doesn't know the extent of Flowers' oblique injury, but he said, "It doesn't look good. Those things are nasty."
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 30, 2018
This was obviously NOT how the Braves wanted to start the year. Based on Snitker’s comments, Flowers going on the DL is definitely on the table although the team will likely wait to see how he feels tomorrow and for further examination from the team’s medical staff before any decisions are made.
If Flowers does need to miss time, the Braves could use backup Chris Stewart more regularly as well as call-up Rob Brantly or Kade Scivicque in order to continue to carry a third catcher if that is the route they want to take.