Atlanta Braves finalize 25 man roster
After a placid offseason followed by a chaotic ten days of transactions, the Atlanta Braves finalized their 25-man roster today. . . for now anyway.
Debate about the size of the bullpen and the structure of the bench continued through the weekend. At one time rumors had the Atlanta Braves starting with five or six outfielders and two or three utility men. Then injuries to Luiz Gohara and Scott Kazmir caused talk of an eight man bullpen.
This afternoon Mark Bowman reported that the Atlanta Braves decided to go with the traditional 12 pitcher, 13 everyday player structure and carry a third catcher.
The roster
Today’s roster isn’t significantly different from the one I suggested Sunday evening; the third catcher replaced Rio Ruiz and another reliever took the spot where I penciled in Anibal Sanchez.
At this moment the 25 roster looks like this
The Braves started last season with three catchers as well. That decision revolved around lack of a pinch-hitting threat and the probability that manager Brian Snitker would have to use a catcher in that role.
That played a large part in the rational this year but Flowers recent injury and his lack of effectiveness at the plate surely played a part in picking Stewart.
Changes are in the offing
Last year’s roster changed frequently and this year’s appears to be headed that way too; at least early in the season.
Johan Camargo returns in a week if all goes as planned making that the probable departure date for either Adams or Stewart, both are out of options and must clear waivers which I suspect they will.
The following week the Braves need a fifth starter with Sanchez apparently earmarked for that job. Jacob Lindgren’s surgery makes him a candidate for the 60-day DL and opens a roster spot for Sanchez making either Carle or Brothers candidates for a trip to Gwinnett. The 25-man carousel of fun begins when Gohara (ankle) and Whitley (staph infection) return and require 25-man roster spots.
In case you’ve forgotten, Atlanta Braves number one prospect Ronald Acuna could arrive anytime after April 13th requiring both a 25 and 40-man roster spot. Barring injury, I expect Ryan Schimpf’s tenure on the 40-man to end at that point.
That’s a wrap
We’re about to watch baseball that counts at last. While we’d all like to see the season begin with a stronger roster, a series of events – most of which could have been avoided – led to the roster we currently have.
I expect changes to occur almost continuously this season as they did last. Injuries, waivers and trades tend to circle teams in similar situations to that the Braves find themselves in at the moment. Alex Anthopoulos’ reputation suggest that when he sees a chance to improve that makes sense for the future he’ll take it.
For now let’s relax and watch the Atlanta Braves play game one of the 2018 MLB championship season.