Transaction: LHP Dylan Lee goes back on the injured list, voiding his option to Gwinnett

Lee will continue to accrue major league service time while dealing with a recurrence of his shoulder inflammation

Atlanta Braves reliever Dylan Lee, who was optioned to AAA Gwinnett after game one of yesterday's doubleheader, will instead go on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation, the team announced today. 

The #Braves have placed LHP Dylan Lee on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation, effective September 11, and voided his option to Triple-A Gwinnett following Game 1 of yesterday’s doubleheader.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 12, 2023

Lee, 29, returned to the active roster last week after missing more than two months with shoulder inflammation. 

Lee got a brief cup of coffee in 2021 and then broke out in 2022, going 5-1 with a 2.33 ERA in 46 appearances out of the bullpen. Striking out 59 in his 50.2 innings, Lee was an effective multi-inning reliever for Atlanta in 2022 that was looking to build on that role in 2023. 

But after a smooth start to the season, Lee stumbled in May, allowing multiple runs in three of his seven outings before going on the injured list for what ended up being a prolonged absence with shoulder inflammation. 

When Lee was cleared for rehab appearances in Gwinnett, the time frame and his role were both unclear. There was reporting that he'd be stretched out further than normal, and it took multiple weeks before he was cleared for MLB action. He pitched in only 3.1 innings since being activated, allowing five runs (four earned) with two homers before being sent down on Monday between game one and two. 

With the injured list stint, that choice to use an option is officially voided and Lee will instead accrue Major League service time while he is out. Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, manager Brian Snitker indicated that Lee won't be a realistic option for depth in the postseason, so the expectation is that this probably ends his season. 

For now, trade deadline acquisition Brad Hand will continue to serve as lefty insurance in the bullpen behind AJ Minter. 

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