Atlanta Braves: Notable Players We Have Seen So Far At Spring Camp
Spring training for the Atlanta Braves is just around the corner. With the Braves' spring training schedule slated to begin next weekend, several faces from within the organization have already reported to CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida. With open competition for several spots and positions, here are the faces that we have seen so far in Florida for Spring Training 2023.
Batters
Quiet a few batters have reported to CoolToday Park so far, with Ronald Acuña Jr being one of the first to report there. Acuña said he has no limitations and is feeling 100%, which is a great sign for Braves fans hoping he will come into 2023 with a healthy season. Additionally, Ozzie Albies was also seen at practice this week, another great sign for the second baseman, who missed much of last season with injury.
Reigning NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II and newly acquired catcher Sean Murphy were also seen at practice together in CoolToday Park. Harris is coming off of a stellar rookie season, looking to add on to it and possibly even improve. Braves fans will also get the chance to see Sean Murphy's skills in a Braves uniform, after being traded to the organization during the offseason.
Pitchers
Several pitches have shown up to CoolToday Park so far, including Kirby Yates and Max Fried. Fried recently lost his arbitration case with the Braves, while Yates is looking to get back into form after missing time due to a injury-plagued season.
Pitcher Spencer Strider also reported to CoolToday Park and was seen at practice this week. Strider was a runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year, finishing second behing his teammate Michael Harris II. Strider also had a outstanding 2022 season as a pitcher, becoming the fastest pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts in a single season, doing so in 130 innings pitched. This season, Strider will be switching his jersey number to 99 as a reference to the 1989 film Major League.
Ian Anderson has also reported to camp. After struggling as a pitcher last season, Anderson will be competing for a starting spot in the Braves' pitching rotation during Spring Training this year, saying that it is "go time."
Shortstops
An interesting note is that Vaughn Grissom and Orlando Arcia have both reported to camp at CoolToday Park and have been seen practicing together. With the Braves' previous shortstop Dansby Swanson leaving the team in free agency, Grissom and Arcia will be competing for the open shortstop position during Spring Training, a decision the Braves will likely take their time with as Spring Training progresses before they name a starter.