RHP Jackson Stephens sent to AAA Gwinnett

The Braves are slowly narrowing down the spring training roster, making a move from the bullpen to do it

The Atlanta Braves have sent RHP Jackson Stephens to AAA, the team announced via tweet on Sunday afternoon. 

The #Braves today outrighted RHP Jackson Stephens to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta now has 41 total players in camp.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 19, 2023

Stephens, 28, was drafted in the 18th round of the 2012 draft by the Cincinnati Reds out of Oxford, AL. He debuted in 2018 and was granted free agency in 2019 after spending the entire season as a reliever in AAA Louisville. 

After a brief stint in indy ball in 2021, the Braves signed Stephens for the 2022 season and he performed admirably, putting up a 3.69 ERA in 53.2 innings pitched with 47 strikeouts (7.9 K/9) to 23 walks (3.9 BB/9). 

He re-signed with the team on a one year, $740,000 contract with Atlanta on Dec 26th, 2022 and reported to spring training competing for a spot in a bullpen that was long on experience but short on minor-league options. 

Despite not having Tyler Matzek (Tommy John surgery), Huascar Ynoa (Tommy John surgery), and Luke Jackson (free agency), the Braves were expecting heavy competition for spots in the bullpen. 

They return Raisel Iglesias, now the closer after the departure of Kenley Jansen in free agency to Boston, as well as primary setup men AJ Minter and Joe Jimenez (acquired via trade with Detroit this offseason). The versatile Collin McHugh and Dylan Lee return, and the team added veteran Nick Anderson this offseason after adding former Blue Jays closer Kirby Yates last year and overseeing his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Lucas Lutege was acquired from the Yankees in December of 2022 and profiles as a long-man out of the pen, and the team has Jesse Chavez in spring training on a minor-league deal, as well. 

Stephens, who is out of minor league options, cleared waivers and will join the bullpen in AAA Gwinnett, where he's a short drive away from Truist Park when a move is needed. 

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