:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69038047/usa_today_15673878.0.jpg)
The Atlanta Braves made a flurry of roster moves Saturday and their Opening Day roster is coming into focus. To get things started, the Braves selected the contracts of infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones. To make room on the 40-man roster, they outrighted outfielder Abraham Almonte to the alternate training site and placed Touki Toussaint on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder strain.
Later on the team announced that they had selected the contract of Pablo Sandoval and designated outfielder Phillip Ervin for assignment. They also released infielder Jason Kipnis who had been in camp competing for a bench spot. The final move came with the release of infielder Jake Lamb which opened up a spot on the 40-man roster.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Brian Snitker confirmed that the team will begin the season with a four-man bench and will carry an extra reliever in the bullpen. Snitker also announced that Alex Jackson will begin the season as the team’s backup catcher and that both William Contreras and infielder Johan Camargo will be optioned to the alternate training site. That means that barring an unexpected addition, Atlanta’s bench for Opening Day will consist of Adrianza, Sandoval, Jackson and outfielder Ender Inciarte.
More Braves news
Max Fried tossed three scoreless innings in his final tune up for the regular season as the Braves defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-5. Ronald Acuña Jr. led off the game with his fifth home run of the spring. Austin Riley added a three-run double while Cristian Pache made three highlight plays in the field.
MLB.com’s Mike Petriello ranked all 30 teams into seven tiers. The Braves headline the second tier of World Series hopefuls.
Braves Podcasts
Grant McAuley and Cory McCartney preview the Braves’ catcher situation for the upcoming season.
MLB News
The Washington Nationals optioned third baseman Carter Kieboom to the minors Saturday. Starlin Castro will be moving over to third base with Josh Harrison expected to see a lot of playing time at second.
The New York Yankees announced that first baseman Luke Voit will undergo surgery on his knee and will begin the season on the injured list. New York selected the contract of Jay Bruce released non-roster invitees Robinson Chirinos and Derek Dietrich.
The Cincinnati Reds released reliever Noe Ramirez Saturday. Ramirez was the primary return from the Angels in the Raisel Iglesias trade.
The Chicago Cubs released outfielder Cameron Maybin who was in camp competing for a bench spot.
The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-hander Adam Plutko from Cleveland for cash considerations. Plutko could step into Baltimore’s rotation following an injury to Keegan Akin.