Braves' Minor scratched from Sunday's start with shoulder tightness

Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Minor has been scratched from Sunday's start against the Houston Astros due to tightness in his left shoulder.

Minor said he first experienced discomfort in his arm Monday, though the Braves are saying the decision to scratch him is strictly precautionary. He's expected to undergo further evaluation.

''It kind of came from out of the blue,'' Braves general manager John Hart said. ''Last year he started when he might not have been ready. Where it goes from here, I'm not real sure.''

The news is particularly troubling for Minor, who entered camp with a clean bill of health after battling shoulder issues in 2014. 

Minor, 27, was sidelined last April with shoulder inflammation and missed the final week of the season after experiencing soreness. His persistent shoulder issues limited him to just 25 starts, resulting in a declining strikeout rate and the second-highest WHIP (1.44) of his career.