Atlanta Braves Release and Reassign Players From 2016 Spring Training

The Atlanta Braves made a few roster moves on Saturday morning as they released a few players and reassigned others.  The Braves started camp with 70 players, so these moves were indubitable.

Atlanta released, yes I said released two pitchers this morning and both came as a bit of surprise to me.  Right-handed relief pitchers David Carpenter and Ryan Kelly were both let go.

Carpenter was signed by the Braves back on November 21, 2015 after being released by the Washington Nationals three days prior.  Carpenter spent two solid seasons in the Braves bullpen in 2013 and 2014, but was traded to the Yankees prior to the start of the 2015 season.  His year didn’t go as planned in New York and they traded him to Washington on June 11th.

Carpenter appeared in one game this Spring Training and pitched one inning.  He was looking to regain traction to his pitching career with a comeback to Atlanta…this fairytale has ended quickly.  Carpenter would be out of minor-league options because he’s been on a 40-man roster for six seasons.

Kelly appeared in 17 games in 2015 for the Braves, but wasn’t impressive.  He held a 7.02 ERA in 16.2 innings pitched, giving up 21 hits, five homers, and six walks.  He appeared in one game this Spring Training and pitched a complete inning allowing one hit.  The Braves must have felt he didn’t fit within the organization because he still had minor-league options.  He’s never been on a 40-man roster before the 2015 season.

Other moves the Braves made on Saturday morning were assigning five players to minor-league camp.  Catchers Matt Kennelly, Joe Odom and Braeden Schlehuber were sent to TBD minor-league camps.  Outfielders Braxton Davidson and Matt Tuiasosopo were also sent to TBD minor-league camps.

Davidson appeared in one game this Spring Training going 0-3 at the plate with two strikeouts.  The 19-year-old obviously needs more seasoning in the minors as he hasn’t played above Single-A ball yet.  The Braves first round selection back in 2014 is rated as our #12 Braves prospect heading into the 2016 season.

Next: 2016 Top Prospect Braxton Davidson Scouting Report

Tuiasosopo played in three games for the Braves (they’ve only played four games) in 2016 going 2-9 at the plate with two runs scored, three walks, but totaled up four strikeouts.  The Braves gave the 29-year-old an opportunity, but he’ll most likely spend the majority of his time with the Gwinnett Braves.

Atlanta’s Spring Training roster is now slimmed down to 63 players! We’re getting there….only 38 more players to decide on until we’re set on the 25-man roster.