We are less than two weeks away from Opening Day, and the roster is beginning to shape itself out. The Braves made a massive decision earlier this week, optioning Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder to Gwinnett. They no longer are candidates for the Opening Day roster, which means this edition will look a little different than it did previously.
Rotation
One of Dodd and Shuster will begin the season as the fifth starter in the rotation, but because Kyle Wright might miss some time to begin the season, I see a situation where the Braves give both a try in April. Whoever performs better while Wright recovers will get an even longer opportunity to cement themself as the permanent member of the Braves rotation.
Bullpen
- Raisel Iglesias
- A.J. Minter
- Collin McHugh
- Dylan Lee
- Joe Jiménez
- Nick Anderson
- Lucas Luetge
- Kirby Yates
The Braves bullpen is slated to be one of the stronger units in the league, but you wouldn’t know it from Spring Training. Almost all of them have been terrible, which could mean there are a few surprises once the Opening Day roster is announced, but I’m hanging strong with this group. Nick Anderson has earned a spot, and I’m keeping Yates around because the Braves have committed over $5 million to him. However, if his struggles continue into the regular season, he may not be in Atlanta for long.
Catcher
Nothing to see here. Next.
Infielders
I didn’t adjust anything here, but I’ll say it again — keep an eye out for Ehire Adrianza. He’s having a great Spring, can play all over the diamond, and is familiar with the organization. Alex Anthopoulos is clearly fond of him, which is why he keeps hanging around, and he’s performing splendidly in the preseason.
Outfielders
- Ronald Acuña Jr.
- Michael Harris II
- Marcell Ozuna
- Eddie Rosario
- Sam Hilliard
- Jordan Luplow
I think the top five spots here are locked up. Sam Hilliard has played fantastic this Spring and doesn’t have any options. The Braves are going to keep him. The final roster spot is between Jordan Luplow and Eli White. Luplow is finally healthy and has looked good in limited at-bats. White has been the Braves superstar of the Spring, but because he has options, I see the team deciding to stash him in Gwinnett until he’s ready. Luplow’s track record as a guy that crushes left-handed pitching earns him the spot on the Opening Day roster
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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