Raisel Iglesias joins Michael Harris on rehab assignment in Gwinnett

The Atlanta Braves are getting closer to being back to full health

Braves closer Raisel Iglesias, on the injured list to open the season with shoulder inflammation, is taking the next step in his return to play with a rehab assignment, the team announced this morning: 

RHP Raisel Iglesias tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 27, 2023

He joins centerfielder Michael Harris II in Gwinnett, who started his own rehab appearance on Wednesday night with a single and a stolen base. 

READ: Injury updates: Michael Harris, Collin McHugh nearing returns

🚨 Money Mike's first Triple-A Hit 🚨

Only up from here. pic.twitter.com/VqQDI6oOVB

— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) April 27, 2023

(Fun facts: It was Harris's first appearance in AAA, as he was promoted to the majors from AA. He becomes only the 4th Rookie of the Year to take the field for Gwinnett, following Ryan Howard (won 2005, played 2017), Craig Kimbrel (won 2011, played 2009-10), and Ronald Acuna Jr. (won 2018, played 2017-18).

Iglesias, 33, signed a four-year, $58M contract with the Angels in December 2021 and was acquired by Atlanta at the 2022 deadline for pitchers Tucker Davidson and Jesse Chavez. Iglesias appeared in 28 games for the Braves after the trade and was exceptional, recording a 0.34 ERA in 26.1 inning pitched with 30 strikeouts to only five walks.  

After Kenley Jansen departed for the Boston Red Sox in free agency, Iglesias was expected to be the closer but hasn't yet appeared in a game after being shut down from throwing in spring training. In his absence, lefty AJ Minter has served as the primary closer, recording five saves in seven opportunities, with single saves being picked up by Nick Anderson and Jesse Chavez. 

There's no official timetable given on Iglesias's return, but commonly, relievers out for this length of time would need four or five appearances at a minimum before many teams would be ready to activate them.  

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