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The Atlanta Braves are 13 games into the Grapefruit League schedule and many have noticed that reliever Chris Martin has yet to throw a pitch in a game. With the departures of Mark Melancon and Shane Greene, the Braves will be relying heavily on Martin in some capacity at the backend off the bullpen. Brian Snitker addressed Martin’s absence prior to Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Martin is fine, has been throwing in sim games and should make his Grapefruit League debut in the next few days.
Also absent over the last few days has been Austin Riley, but Snitker said that he will be back in the lineup for Monday’s game against the Twins. Snitker said that Riley saw a lot of at-bats recently in a sim-game and that he looked good.
Bryse Wilson will make his third start of the spring for the Braves Monday against Minnesota. J.A. Happ is the scheduled starter for the Twins.
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Marcell Ozuna is just 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts through his first eight games this spring, but Snitker isn’t concerned. Ozuna was 3-for-28 with 14 K’s before the shutdown last spring.
“He’s one you don’t worry about,” Snitker said. “When the lights come on and that thing gets real, so will he.”
Ehire Adrianza delivered a three-run, walk-off home run for the Braves Sunday to give them an 8-7 win over the Rays. Ronald Acuña Jr., Jason Kipnis, Shea Langeliers and Sean Kazmar all homered for Atlanta.
This week’s SB Nation Reacts survey asks if the Braves need to add another pitcher before Opening Day?
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Stephen Strasburg exited Sunday’s start in the third inning with discomfort in his left calf. He told reporters after the game that it wasn’t something that he was concerned about.
Free agent third baseman Maikel Franco is reportedly considering an offer from the Orioles but no deal is finished yet. The Braves and Mets were other teams that were linked to Franco last week.
Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar will see a specialist this week to address ongoing soreness in his right hand and wrist.
Reds starter Sonny Gray was scratched from his scheduled start Sunday due to a back issue and will likely begin the season on the injured list.