Braves officially announce 2019 Opening Day roster

The Atlanta Braves have officially announced their Opening Day roster for the 2019 season.

As is usually the case, there are a few surprises along the way. Most notably is the absence of starters Mike Foltynewicz and Kevin Gausman who will both open the season on the injured list. Their spot in the Opening Day starting rotation will go to rookies Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright who will both make their season debuts during the opening series in Philadelphia.

The bullpen wasn’t exempt from injuries as well. Both A.J. Minter and Darren O’Day will open the season on the injured list. One of those spots will go to rookie Wes Parsons who came out of nowhere and turned in a dominant Grapefruit League performance. Veteran Josh Tomlin also sticks on the active roster as a long relief option after signing with the team late last week and appearing in just one spring game with the Braves.

The position players are largely as expected with the exception of Matt Joyce replacing Adam Duvall as the team’s fourth outfielder.

Backup catcher Raffy Lopez, acquired earlier this offseason, was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster, which needed an extra spot due to the additions of both Joyce and Tomlin.

Atlanta Braves 2019 Opening Day Roster

Pitchers (13): Julio Teheran, Sean Newcomb, Kyle Wright, Bryse Wilson, Max Fried, Arodys Vizcaino, Jonny Venters, Jesse Biddle, Shane Carle, Luke Jackson, Chad Sobotka, Wes Parsons, Josh Tomlin.

Catchers (2): Tyler Flowers, Brian McCann

Infielders (6): Ozzie Albies, Johan Camargo, Josh Donaldson, Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Charlie Culberson

Outfielders (4): Ronald Acuña Jr., Ender Inciarte, Nick Markakis, Matt Joyce