Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: More Roster Moves, Freeman Update
Braves Continue to Trim Spring Roster
On the weekend, the Atlanta Braves made some roster moves to clarify the picture of how the rotation is shaping up. This morning, there was a set of new cuts that impact the bullpen – and these are more surprising.
Another roster surprise: Chris Withrow has been optioned to Gwinnett. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 14, 2016
Marksberry was also optioned. Krol and Alex Torres remain the top LH relief candidates. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 14, 2016
Looks like Cervenka gone too. #Braves have lefties Krol, A.Torres and Rutckyj remaining on ST roster.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 14, 2016
David O’Brien gives the details as this:
- Chris Withrow – to AAA Gwinnett
- Matt Marksberry – to AA Mississippi (curiously low)
- Hunter Cervenka – to the minor league camp for now
While Ian Krol, Alex Torres, and Evan Rutckyj are those lefties mentioned by DOB, lefty Phil Coke was signed a week ago, and could now get a look.
Krol has not pitched well, with 3 walks in 2.2 innings… never mind the 5 hits and 3 earned runs allowed. Marksberry had actually looked better with a .231 average against and just 1 walk. That’s why his demotion was surprising.
Rutckyj, the Rule 5 pick, is probably still hanging around for that reason. His ERA is still 0.00, but he’s been flirting with danger: 3 walks in 1.1 innings (1 hit and 1 unearned run).
Next: A Softened Stance on Adonis Garcia
Bowman points out that right-hander Jose Ramirez, also sporting 3 walks (though over 5 innings) is out of options, a fact that does drive some decisions made at this time of year.