That’s it, folks. It is so close to opening day, the roster is at 25 players. The Braves announced the final roster cuts today after their game with the Mets and it was not all too surprising.
Tyler Pastornicky will be the Opening Day shortstop and that means that Andrelton Simmons will be sent to the minors but no level has been announced yet. Randall Delgado got the final rotation spot meaning Julio Teheran will get some AAA time. Yohan Flande supplanted Cory Gearrin for the last spot in the bullpen as Fredi and co. probably feel more comfortable with a third left-handed pitcher with three right handers that have the ability to go long – Cristhian Martinez, Livan Hernandez and Kris Medlen.
The final bench spot went to Jose Constanza which also was not a big surprise.
Perhaps the biggest news of the day, however, was Tim Hudson going two innings, facing seven hitters and not allowing much of anything. This is very good news for the Braves, and despite all the talk about the fifth starter position, it will become moot once Hudson is healthy and a good Hudson means an even better Braves rotation. That is good news – regardless of any arguing over the fifth starter, last guy in the bullpen or 25th man on the bench.