Spring training rolls on for the Atlanta Braves and we got a reminder yesterday that with spring training comes some truly horrifying games at times. The Braves jumped out to an early 8-0 lead against the Astros thanks to a strong start from Bryce Elder and big games at the plate from Ehire Adrianza and Marcell Ozuna among others. However, once we got to the fringe non-roster invite and minor league depth part of the bullpen, everything collapsed and the Braves ended up losing by the score of 11-8. Welcome to spring training, everyone.
More Braves News
It was largely quiet on the Braves news front yesterday, although we did see a smidge of roster trimming. Catching prospect Tyler Tolve has some real thump at the plate, especially for a catcher, but there are only so many plate appearances that can go around this spring especially now that we are going to see Travis d'Arnaud get some more time. As a result, the Braves sent Tolve back over to minor league camp yesterday.
MLB News
The Philadelphia Phillies got some rough news yesterday as one of the best prospects in all of baseball, Andrew Painter, is feeling some elbow tenderness and is undergoing tests as we speak. Painter was looking like a star in camp and while one hopes this is turns out to be a minor issue solved by a bit of rest, having doctors look at a pitcher's elbow is never a "good" sign.
Injuries have caused problems elsewhere in the league with the Dodgers being a pretty obvious example. LA was counting on having Gavin Lux available to play shortstop, but a torn ACL has him out for the 2023 season and the Dodgers having to look at all of their available options. The Dodgers are a deep club despite free agent departures and the injuries, so one option they are weighing is adding a corner outfielder which would allow the uber-versatile Chris Taylor to play in the infield more.