Braves News
Fredi unlikely to implement strict platoon in left or third
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez says that he is unlikely to use a strict platoon in left field and third base with Jonny Gomes and Chris Johnson expected to receive the bulk of the playing time. Gonzalez told reporters on Thursday that both would sit against specific right handers but that it would be a match up based decision.
"You pick your spots with kind of like soft platoons," Gonzalez said. "You pick your best eight [position players] every single day. Some days, you go with a matchup. Sometimes you feel that even though he's right-handed [and you're facing a right-hander], if you feel like he can give you some good at-bats, you go with it. For me, it's not a strict platoon situation. We'll play it by ear."
Bench spots yet to be determined as season draws near
MLB.com's Mark Bowman takes a closer look at the Braves spring roster and breaks down the race for three final bench slots on the opening day roster. The battle appears to be between Zoilo Almonte, Phil Gosselin, Eury Perez, Kelly Johnson, Todd Cunningham and Joey Terdoslavich.
Braves' Callaspo surging after slow spring start
When the Braves signed Alberto Callaspo during the offeseason, it looked like he would likely be the team's starting second baseman on opening day. Callaspo showed up to spring training out of shape and struggled early allowing rookie Jace Peterson the opportunity to impress and earn the second base job. As the spring has gone on, Callaspo is playing his way into shape and has performed well of late and appears to be penciled in as one of the team's utility players to start the season.
Despite shaky outing, Wandy remains in rotation mix
Wandy Rodriguez allowed eight hits and four runs in five innings in Thursday's start against the Pirates. Despite the rough performance he still remains in the mix for one of the final spots in the Braves starting rotation. Rodriguez is competing with fellow veteran Eric Stults and rookie Mike Foltynewicz. MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that the Braves continue to talk to other clubs about Rodriguez who despite Thursday's outing, has had a good spring.
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