This rules wrinkle will force the Braves to make Opening Day roster decisions early

Even though the Atlanta Braves still have one week before Opening Day, fans are likely going to find out about a few key roster spots. There is a deadline for veteran players like Dominic Smith, Kyle Farmer, and Martín Pérez, who are in camp as non-roster invitees and have six or more years of MLB service time, to be told whether or not they are breaking camp with the team.

This year, Article XX(B) free agents must be told by Saturday, March 21 if they've made the cut. If they haven't, they are allowed to be released to catch on with another team who can guarantee them big league playing time.

Braves fans will know soon about these key roster decisions thanks to little-known rule

The likelihood of Smith, Farmer, and Pérez making the Opening Day roster has increased significantly since pitchers and catchers first reported. Just days after spring training workouts starters, Atlanta lost both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep to arm injuries, giving the 2022 All-Star Martín Pérez the inside track to make the roster as the fifth or sixth starter in the rotation.

Meanwhile, after Jurickson Profar was popped for PEDs a second time, both Kyle Farmer and Dominic Smith's chances to make the Braves bench improved significantly, there was no longer a clear DH for the team.

Pérez has had mixed results this spring, as his strong looking 2.84 ERA through 12.1 innings is countered by a concerning 5.33 FIP and 20% HR/FB rate. With Bryce Elder out of options, and Didier Fuentes being literally unhittable this spring, the decision on Pérez is still up in the air.

As for Kyle Farmer and Dominic Smith, it does feel likely that at least one of the veterans is in Atlanta on March 27. Smith looked like a longshot to make the team when he first signed, as he is limited to first base and DH, but with Profar completely out of the picture, he could easily make the team and draw starts against righties.

Farmer has hit much better than Smith this spring, rocking a .931 OPS through 35 ABs, and also offers defensive flexibility, and Brett Wisely, a utility player on the 40-man roster, is the only obstacle in his way. While Wisley has outhit Farmer, Farmer has a longer track record of success.

Once the Braves make their decisions on these veterans, the Braves Opening Day roster will be much clearer.