Atlanta Braves: Opening Day Roster Beginning to Take Shape

In addition to the moves to solidify the starting rotation, a number of transactions were made to help clear the muddy waters of the Braves’ unsettled bench and bullpen situations.

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In exchange for cash considerations, the Atlanta Braves made a trade with the San Francisco Giants to acquire journeyman outfielder Matt Joyce.  Now with his sixth major league club, the 34-year-old left-handed Joyce spent the past two seasons in Oakland.  In 2017, Joyce appeared in 141 games and hit a respectable .243/.335/.473 with 25 HR and 68 RBI in 544 plate appearances.  His production waned last year as he appeared in only 83 games for the A’s, but he could prove to be a legitimate power threat as a left-handed bat off the bench while sharing 4th outfielder duties with Charlie Culberson.

To make room for Joyce, the Braves optioned OF Adam Duvall to Gwinnett in a move anticipated by many if Atlanta was able to acquire another OF bench piece.  Catcher Raffy Lopez was also optioned, leaving a likely final bench of Culberson, Joyce, Johan Camargo, and either Brian McCann or Tyler Flowers (whoever is not starting on a particular day).

In bullpen news, LHP Sam Freeman was sent outright to Gwinnett along with Dan Winkler, who was optioned.  Assuming an 8-man bullpen, and knowing that relievers Darren O’Day and A.J. Minter will not be ready by opening day, that leaves a likely bullpen of:

• Jesse Biddle
• Jonny Venters
• Josh Tomlin (long relief)
• Wes Parsons
• Shane Carle
• Chad Sobotka
• Arodys Vizcaino (closer)
• Luke Jackson

The only real surprise here would be Jackson over Winkler, but considering the performance of both this spring and number of options that were left for each, this move makes sense from a roster management perspective.

The real fun will come when Foltynewicz, Minter, and O’Day are ready to return.  Gausman is projected to return and start Game 7, and I’d imagine he will take Jackson’s roster spot.  Otherwise, get ready for the return of the shuttle from Gwinnett to Cobb that was prevalent in the second half of last season, and don’t be shocked if some of these young starters see high-leverage situations from the bullpen either.