Braves are getting close to finalizing their 25-man roster
The Atlanta Braves have made a few roster decisions this morning to get closer to their 25-man Opening Day roster. Most notably, the move that sent a third baseman to the minors.
The front office made the tough call to send third baseman Rio Ruiz to Triple-A Gwinnett. The 23-year-old slashed .206/.225/.353 in the 2018 Spring Training with two home runs, four doubles, eight runs scored and 11 RBI’s. He also walked just twice and struck out 22 times. This ratio is a little off since it’s Spring Training and he was trying to prove he belonged. A little too aggressive maybe at the plate.
For some reason, and maybe it was because of his spring stats, I don’t think Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has the most confidence in Ruiz.
Personally, I would have given the opening day starting third baseman job to Ruiz. He’s still young and has a future in the majors. Giving this opportunity to guys who absolutely don’t have a path in the Braves future is mind-boggling to me.
The third base job will go to either Ryan Flaherty or Charlie Culberson until Johan Camargo can return to action.
Atlanta also reassigned outfielders Danny Santana and Ezequiel Carrera, infielder Sean Kazmar Jr, and right-handed pitcher Anibal Sanchez to minor league camp.
The #Braves have optioned INF Rio Ruiz to Triple-A Gwinnett and reassigned OF Ezequiel Carrera, INF Sean Kazmar Jr, RHP Aníbal Sánchez and OF Danny Santana to minor league camp.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 28, 2018
With these four moves, the Braves 25-man for Opening Day is getting clearer. The Braves could still acquire someone within the next 24 hours…you never know at this point.
One thing is clear, the Braves will carry three catchers. I’m in favor of this move and my reasoning is simple. In 2017, it would have been great to pinch hit Tyler Flowers or Kurt Suzuki (whoever wasn’t playing), but the Braves didn’t because the old thought of “what if a catcher gets injured).
Now with the Braves carrying three catchers, TFlow or Suzuk can pinch hit OR even Chris Stewart can. This makes complete sense to me.
As we sit mid-day on Wednesday, it looks as though Lane Adams could be making this roster. It’s been back and forth about him after his awful Spring Training, but the 28-year-old looks to be getting the opportunity to be in Atlanta.
Only thing still looming would be the bullpen. It may be final, it may not be.
Let’s look at what we’ve got…
Catchers
Tyler Flowers
Kurt Suzuki
Christ Stewart
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Infielders
Freddie Freeman
Ozzie Albies
Dansby Swanson
Ryan Flaherty
Charlie Culberson
Outfielders
Nick Markakis
Ender Inciarte
Preston Tucker
Peter Bourjos
Lane Adams
Rotation
Julio Teheran
Mike Foltynewicz
Brandon McCarthy
Sean Newcomb
Relievers
Arodys Vizcaino
A.J. Minter
Jose Ramirez
Sam Freeman
Peter Moylan
Dan Winkler
Shane Carle
Rex Brothers