Braves Continue To Trim Spring Training Roster

The Atlanta Braves are continuing to narrow down their roster options ahead of Opening Day

The Atlanta Braves announced more roster moves last night, reassigning five more players to minor league camp. 

Two pitchers and three utility infielders were moved from major league camp to minor league camp, where games have started, leaving the roster at 45 players. 

Reassigned were right-handed pitchers Grant Holmes and Jake Walsh, as well infielders Phillip Evans, Leury García, and Alejo López. 

García was potentially the most impactful of the five, with the 32-year-old having more than 700 games of MLB experience and a history of playing multiple positions, including shortstop, second base, and all three outfield positions. A long-time member of the Chicago White Sox, García is a career .253 hitter in the majors. 

Holmes was the second most potential MLB candiate, as a member of the Gwinnett bullpen in 2023 that could be called on this season for low-leverage relief work in Atlanta. The 27-year-old pitched in 50 games for Gwinnett, all in relief, picking up 13 saves and seven wins across 62 innings. He struck out 74 with only 26 walks and 5 home runs. 

But both players couldn't beat out the existing roster options ahead of them - García was behind David Fletcher and Andrew Velazquez in the infield pecking order, while Holmes always faced a tall task in a Braves bullpen that already has five locks among its eight spots. 

And it's only going to be tougher to break into the lineup - after Wednesday's off day, the major leaguers will start playing deeper into games than their usual 5th-inning exits. 

Atlanta's back in action on Thursday with a trip to Ft. Myers to take on the Boston Red Sox. Bryce Elder gets the ball as the scheduled starter for Atlanta. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET, and the game is being broadcast by ESPN.