Earlier today, Atlanta announced their full list of non-roster invitees (NRIs) to spring training. An NRI is a player who is invited to come to big-league camp for spring training, but is not guaranteed a spot on the big league 40-man roster. Although they can earn a big-league roster spot with excellent performance, most of these players are just invited to get experience against higher-level competition and coaching from Atlanta's staff.
The list of NRIs is as follows:
Pitchers
- RHP Lay Batista
- RHP J.R. Graham
- RHP Jason Hursh
- RHP Mark Lamm
- RHP Cody Martin
- RHP Yuniesky Maya
- RHP Gus Schlosser
- RHP Shae Simmons
- LHP Daniel Rodriguez
- LHP Atahualpa Severino
- LHP Ian Thomas
Catchers
- Matt Kennelly
- Steven Lerud
- Braeden Schlehuber
- Jose Yepez
Infielders
- 1B/3B Mat Gamel
- 2B Phil Gosselin
- 2B/SS Tyler Greene
- 1B Mark Hamilton
- 2B Tommy La Stella
- 3B Edward Salcedo
Outfielders
- CF Matt Lipka
Of the pitchers, there are several intriguing prospects. J.R. Graham, one of the organization's top prospects, missed all of last year, and could be a dark horse to win a spot on the 25 man if he is healthy and back up to speed. 2013 first round pick Jason Hursh will get a look, but expect him to go back to the minors. Shae Simmons, the best relief prospect in the organization, will also be in camp. On the hitters' side, all of the catchers are up just for depth. Corner infielder Mat Gamel should have a shot of making the roster as a bench bat, as could middle infielder Tyler Greene, who already has major league experience with the Cardinals. The headline of the group is undoubtedly Tommy La Stella. All eyes will be on Atlanta's most-polished hitting prospect, to see if he can make a play for Dan Uggla's job.