Individual performances don't mean all that much early in spring training. The most important thing is that guys get their reps in and don't hurt themselves in the process. For the Atlanta Braves however, these early looks in spring training could be a good indicator as to who has the inside track for the few roster spots that are actually up for grabs.
Take Tuesday's split squad action for example. Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach both looked quite good which shouldn't be all that surprising. However, both pitchers have roster spots secured. Same goes for Austin Riley who took a couple ugly swings and Sean Murphy who struck out on a mighty hack against former Brave Sean Newcomb. Both players will make the Opening Day roster despite having less than ideal moments in spring. Marcell Ozuna did go yard which was great, but no one thought he was on the roster bubble.
Marcell Ozuna two-run homer for a 2-0 lead at North Port off Boston righty Noah Davis, after an Olson leadoff single.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 25, 2025
However, a closer look shows some performances (or lackthereof) that could help at least give some clarity as to how the competitions the Braves have in camp could be going so far.
Jake Diekman, Braves' bench candidates shine while Waldrep scuffled in spring training
We'll start with the good news and there were some nice examples from Tuesday's game. Jake Diekman is fighting for a bullpen spot and was already a name to watch and he went out and threw a scoreless inning with a pair of strikeouts.
Some bats showed up as well. Eli White is trying to fashion himself into a super utility bench option and getting three hits in his first three plate appearances was a good start towards locking that spot down. Garrett Cooper isn't likely to break camp with the Braves given that they don't really need a backup first baseman on the active roster, but Jake Marisnick drove him in and Marisnick could factor into the bench outfield competition especially as a guy the Braves are familiar with.
There were some unfortunate performances. Hurston Waldrep didn't give up a run in his inning of work, but he did miss a lot up and out of the zone. Waldrep needed a strong spring training to have a chance at the big league rotation and Ian Anderson's rough spring debut left the door open, but it still looks like anyone's job to take.
Enoli Paredes didn't help his fringe case for the Braves bullpen after the Pirates gave him fits, but he did break off a couple decent sliders at least along with a few stinkers. Meanwhile, the newly acquired Buck Farmer, who is also competing for a spot in the Braves bullpen, had a clean inning thanks to some good defensive work by Michael Harris II. Angel Perdomo also did well for himself getting loads of uncomfortable swings in route to his own 1-2-3 inning.
Did these one-off performances make or break anyone's chances of making the Opening Day roster for Atlanta? No, they did not. However, they did tell us who is ahead of the game and who has some more convincing to do before they can be in the conversation.
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