Braves LHP Minor to start Friday night vs Giants

MIAMI -- Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Minor is set to pitch in the major leagues for the first time this season.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez says Minor will start Friday night at home against San Francisco.

The 26-year-old Minor has been slowed by shoulder soreness this season. He's pitched five times in the minor leagues during rehabilitation games at three different levels.

"We just wanted to make sure Mikey was healthy," Gonzalez said before Tuesday night's game at Miami. "But he feels good."

Minor had urinary tract surgery on Dec. 31, delaying his spring schedule. After the shoulder soreness developed, he was shut down in spring training.

Minor went 13-9 with a 3.21 ERA last year. He pitched a career-high 204 innings and led the team with 181 strikeouts.

Even without Minor and other injured pitchers, the NL East-leading Braves top the majors with a 2.04 ERA going into the game against the Marlins.

As for Friday's impending roster move when Minor comes off the disabled list, Gonzalez said it will likely be a pitcher who gets sent to the minors.

"It will depend on who would benefit to go down and be stretched out (as a starter), and who will do a better job out of the bullpen," Gonzalez said.