Atlanta Braves need Roster Flexibility

Atlanta Braves Todd Cunningham and Pedro Ciriaco are handicapping the bench

All teams need backups.  Many teams across the NL have “defensive-first” backups, players that can come in during late innings or take over for an in-game injury, and provide solid defense.  But is this type of player necessary to carry for our beloved Braves, or are the Braves just carrying the traditional torch?  My take is the latter.

Pedro Ciriaco is only on the roster for 1 purpose, to back up Andrelton Simmons, and we all know Andrelton does not like to sit out of games.  But how often is he being used?  About as closer to never as one can imagine.

3. innings. Yes…the answer to 1+2. The Braves are keeping a player on the bench that sports a .531 OPS for the sake of 3 innings.

Todd Cunningham is being used.  That’s great!  He’s seen 148 innings, mostly in LF but his primary focus is backing up Cameron Maybin in CF. But is there someone out there that could be of more use than that of Cunningham?  I think so. If the Braves are going to carry a light bat, it might as well be a player that has other complimentary skills.