Braves' Minor to visit Dr. Andrews next week

Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Minor is expected to see Dr. James Andrews next week after experiencing tightness in his troublesome shoulder Monday.

Minor, who suffered persistent shoulder issues last year, was scratched from Sunday's start against the Houston Astros in a move the team initially described as precautionary. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez sounded less optimistic Thursday, telling reporters that he expects Minor to visit the noted Tommy John surgeon early next week.

The news is especially concerning for Minor, who was limited to just 25 starts last year due to bouts of inflammation and soreness in his left shoulder. Braves president of baseball operations John Hart admitted the team expects Minor to begin the year on the disabled list.

"I don't think any of us are envisioning this is a season-ending thing, but it does throw up a red flag," Hart told MLB.com's Mark Bowman. "It's early, but we don't want to go through what he went through last year. He doesn't want to go through what he did last year. So, I think we're taking more of a proactive approach and erring on the side of caution."

Minor, 27, posted a career-high 4.77 ERA across 145 1/3 innings in 2014. He'll make $5.6 million this season - a $1.75 million bump from last year - after winning his arbitration case against the team.