Another week of spring training is in the books and the Opening Day roster outlook for the Atlanta Braves continues to take shape. The Braves haven’t suffered anything major on the injury front yet but nagging situations continue to linger and that may have an effect on the makeup of the roster to begin the season. For the most part, the roster is in place but there are still question marks in the rotation, the bullpen and for the final bench spot.
Rotation Locks: Kevin Gausman, Sean Newcomb, Julio Teheran
A bit of a new look here as Mike Foltynewicz moves to the injured column for now at least. Folty reportedly resumed throwing this week but has yet to return to the mound since being scratched due to a sore elbow before his second start of the spring. Opening Day is pretty much out of the question for Foltynewicz at this point but the thinking is that he could be ready to go during the first week of the season.
Kevin Gausman made his spring debut this week after dealing with some shoulder soreness early in camp. That leaves Sean Newcomb and Julio Teheran as the odds-on favorites to get the start on Opening Day.
5th Starter Competition: Max Fried, Touki Toussaint, Kyle Wright
There is still a couple of weeks left in the spring but it appears that Max Fried has positioned himself to make the Opening Day roster in some capacity whether it is as a member of the rotation or the bullpen. Touki Toussaint remains a possibility and has looked good besides one rough outing. Kyle Wright is a new addition to this group after a second straight impressive outing earlier in the week.
Injured: Mike Soroka, Mike Foltynewicz
As mentioned above, Folty’s elbow is reportedly feeling better but there are no announced plans for when he might return to the mound. The same can be said for Mike Soroka who experienced shoulder soreness the first week of camp and has yet to pitch in a game this spring. Folty may be a possibility for the first week of the spring. It may be a little longer wait for Soroka.
Others: Kolby Allard, Bryse Wilson
Bryse Wilson has also put up a solid showing so far but seems to be on the periphery of things for now. Kolby Allard survived the first round of cuts. He has allowed just one earned run over six innings but has yet to strike out a batter while walking five.
Cuts: Luiz Gohara, Ian Anderson, Kyle Muller, Joey Wentz
The Braves announced some roster moves on Friday optioning Luiz Gohara to Triple-A while reassigning pitchers Ian Anderson, Kyle Muller and Joey Wentz to minor league camp. Gohara was slowed by a sore shoulder early on but has resumed throwing and is reportedly close to ready to pitch in games. It looks like he will get a chance to ramp himself up on the minor league side.
Anderson, Muller and Wentz all got a taste of big league camp and could be factors later on.
Bullpen Locks: A.J. Minter, Arodys Vizcaino, Darren O’Day, Jonny Venters
This group remains unchanged from last week but like the starters, has several players who are dealing with some nagging injuries. A.J. Minter has faced exactly one batter this spring and is dealing with a sore shoulder. Reports suggest he is feeling better but he has yet to return to the mound. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman also reported that veteran reliever Darren O’Day is dealing with forearm soreness. At this point both are expected to be ready for Opening Day but the situation is worth keeping an eye on.
Competition: Jesse Biddle, Shane Carle, Sam Freeman, Luke Jackson, Chad Sobotka, Dan Winkler, Grant Dayton
The rest of the bullpen competition still seems to be pretty tightly bunched. Chad Sobotka got hit hard in a couple of outings but looked better last time out. Grant Dayton is hasn’t allowed a run in four innings and is trying to move into the competition with fellow lefties Sam Freeman and Jesse Biddle.
Others: Wes Parsons, Jacob Webb, Patrick Weigel, Thomas Burrows, Corbin Clouse, Tucker Davidson
Corbin Clouse and Thomas Burrows have seen a good bit of action through the early part of camp and have held their own. They may open the season in the minors but could be ready if needed at some point this season.
Cuts: Huascar Ynoa
Catcher Locks: Tyler Flowers, Brian McCann
Tyler Flowers and Brian McCann appear to be in good health and ready for the season. They just need to navigate through the remainder of the spring with no setbacks to claim their spots on the Opening Day roster.
Others: Alex Jackson, Raffy Lopez
Alex Jackson has gone 6-for-18 at the plate with a double and two homers in nine games this spring. He has drawn praise from many people in camp and may have quieted some of the concerns about the lack of depth at catcher behind Flowers and McCann.
Cuts: William Contreras, Carlos Martinez, Jonathan Morales
William Contreras was also part of Friday’s cuts but got a good taste of big league camp and looks like he will be a factor down the road.
Infield Locks: Ozzie Albies, Johan Camargo, Josh Donaldson, Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Charlie Culberson
Both Josh Donaldson and Dansby Swanson debuted this week and reported no issues. The Braves have been cautious with Donaldson so far and will likely continue to be through the remainder of the spring. Swanson’s debut was delayed due to lingering wrist soreness but he has since got into two games and no further issues have cropped up.
Others: Andres Blanco, Pedro Florimon, Sean Kazmar Jr, Luis Marte, Austin Riley
Austin Riley survived the first round of cuts and has seen a lot of opportunities through the early part of spring. He hasn’t disappointed going 7-for-25 at the plate while also showing off his improved defensive skills. Sean Kazmar hit a couple of homers this week but the infield group appears to be set for Opening Day.
Cuts: CJ Alexander
Outfield Locks: Ronald Acuna Jr, Ender Inciarte, Nick Markakis
No surprises here as Atlanta’s outfield is set.
4th Outfielder: Adam Duvall
Adam Duvall broke out with a two-homer game earlier this week but is still just 4-for-21 this spring although he does have five walks. He has looked better at the plate but hasn’t had a lot of luck (again). As teams around the league start to trim down their rosters, it will be interesting if the Braves look outside the organization rather than moving forward with Duvall.
Others: Ryan LaMarre, Rafael Ortega, Cristian Pache
Cristian Pache is ticketed to begin the season at Double-A Mississippi but he is making the most of his time in big league camp. Pache homered in back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday and is 8-for-19 with five extra base hits.
Cuts: Greyson Jenista, Drew Waters