Week five of the Atlanta Braves MTM and the roster battles are still raging for the last bullpen spots, shortstop, and the bench. This week a new battle opened up as another spot may be available with Chipper starting the year on the disabled list. To begin with we'll assume that there is a group that has already made the team:
Starters: Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Brandon Beachy, and Mike Minor (1 spot available)
Relievers: Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Eric O'Flaherty, Kris Medlen, and Cristhian Martinez (2 spots available)
Starting Lineup: Michael Bourn, Martin Prado, Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Dan Uggla, Jason Heyward, and Freddie Freeman (2 spots available at shortstop)
Bench: David Ross, Eric Hinske, Matt Diaz and Jack Wilson (1 spot available)
Player, Position | This Week |
Last Week | Roster Status | Notes and Comments |
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Jairo Asencio, RHP |
He's done a great job of controlling the walks this spring, but he's also been somewhat hittable. He's striking people out, and he's out of options. I see nothing that leads me to believe that he won't make the team. |
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Randall Delgado, RHP |
Randall has been getting bitten by that one-bad-inning syndrome. He seems to be ahead of Teheran in the race for the final rotation spot, especially with JT experiencing some arm soreness. I still believe that Medlen could step in and claim that final rotation spot, and especially if Delgado has another really bad spring start, the team may not want to rush him to begin the season. |
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Yohan Flande, LHP |
He's issued a walk in almost every appearance, but he's been able to work around it. Not sure if that is something the team thinks can be sustainable. His ability to pitch for multiple innings in relief could be a useful asset, especially early in the season -- I've got to believe the Braves are thinking the same thing. With Flade emerging as a viable relief option, the team could move Medlen to the rotation, opening up another bullpen spot which Yohan could fill. |
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Robert Fish, LHP |
Hasn't thrown in two weeks. I have no clue what the Braves thinking is with this guy. No clue if he's hurt either. My guess is that he'll get returned to the Angels, if they want him back. |
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Cory Gearrin, RHP |
Still pitching great. If that continues, his spot in the bullpen is pretty much assured. Especially now that he is able to get lefties and righties out. |
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Dusty Hughes, LHP |
He might have some usefulness somewhere down the line, but he seems to be less of an option than Flande. Of course, if his spring splits against lefties are real good, the team could keep him around as a LOOGY. |
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Julio Teheran, RHP |
The news that he has a sore arm is troubling ... VERY troubling. He did throw a bullpen session without issue, but I bet the Braves will be extra cautious with him and begin him in the minors where they can manage his early season workload more precisely. |
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Anthony Varvaro, RHP |
He continues to get hit pretty hard. Because of that I no longer see a path for him to begin the season in the Braves pen. He still has a live arm, so hopefully he can turn it around and be a useful piece somewhere down the line. |
And now the hitters.
Player, Position | This Week |
Last Week | Roster Status | Notes and Comments |
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Jose Constanza, OF | Really struggling at the plate right now, and not at the right time as a spot in the outfield opens up with the Chipper injury. He is currently behind both Durango and Parraz, and should open the season at Gwinnett. |
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Luis Durango, OF | If spring stats count for anything, then Durango has done wonders for his chances of making the team. He is hitting .500 this spring, and has shown all types of scrappiness at the plate -- a trait that was valued (over-valued) by the Braves late last season. With the injury to Chipper pushing Prado from left to third, Durango should find an opening on the roster. Though a trade could knock him off his roster quest. |
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Jordan Parraz, OF | Still hitting real well and doing what he needs to do to make the team, but Durango has done more so far. We'll have to see what the final weeks of spring hold, but if Parraz keeps playing well, he could snag a roster spot. |
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Tyler Pastornicky, SS | The Rev is riding a five-game hitting streak, and has moved his average above Simmons.' He looks to still be the favorite to win the shortstop job, but Fredi said it will come down to the final day of spring training ... I bet it's decided before that. |
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Andrelton Simmons, SS | His average has slipped some, but he's still an impressive option at shortstop. For all the talk about his lack of patience at the plate, he's got more walks this spring than Pastornicky. Still a viable option for the starting shortstop gig, though he's in second. |
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Drew Sutton, IF | Despite going hitless the past week, he's still the favorite for an open bench spot. He will be a safer bet if he gets some hits this week. |
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Josh Wilson, IF | He has returned from his injury, but is still not hitting. If he suddenly gets hot he could be a bench option for the Braves. |