Both of these moves may come as a surprise, but Kyle Wright and Jacob Webb will not start the season in Atlanta barring any injuries. There is a method to the madness, however.
The #Braves today optioned RHP Jacob Webb and RHP Kyle Wright to the alternate training site. The club now has 40 players in major league camp.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 24, 2021
I understand why Webb was optioned in a sense. He still has options remaining, so the Braves have a little more flexibility with him than they do with a guy like Luke Jackson or Grant Dayton, who are both out. Webb is a natural candidate to replace either if they are designated for assignment.
It appears the Braves will roll with Nate Jones, who has been lights out this spring. Over 6.1 innings, he has a 0.32 WHIP and has not allowed any earned runs. Carl Edwards Jr. has been pretty good as well, only allowing one earned run over 7.1 innings. However, walks have been troubling for him throughout his career, and he does have five so far.
We’ve closely monitored the battle for the fifth rotation spot in Mike Soroka‘s absence, and it appears that Bryse Wilson has come out on top. Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Charlie Morton, and Drew Smyly will likely feature with Wilson in the rotation. Wilson and Wright were both fantastic at the end of the 2020 season and during the postseason, but the spring gave us a clear winner:
Bryse Wilson: 13.2 IP, 15 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 9 K
Kyle Wright: 16 IP, 13 H, 8 ER, 8 BB, 15 K
Obviously, both guys will have to limit the number of hits they have allowed thus far, but Wilson cutting his walks down was likely the deciding factor. Not to worry; Wright still has plenty of options, potential, and should get some valuable reps in Gwinnett. We will see him back in Atlanta again.
The Opening Day roster is close to taking shape, and the Braves start the season with the Phillies at Citizen’s Bank Park a week from tomorrow. It’s great to have baseball so close to being back.
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