Atlanta Braves Add Two To The 40 Man Roster
By Jeff Schafer
The Atlanta Braves have selected the contracts of LHP Ryan Buchter and RHP Wirfin Obispo from their Triple A affiliate Gwinnett Braves on Friday afternoon. Both pitchers are playing this winter with Obispo playing in the Dominican Winter League and Buchter pitching in the Mexican Winter League.
Obispo was signed by the Braves to be a minor leaguer as a free agent in April 2013. In 2012 the Cincinnati Reds signed Wirfin out of the Japan Pacific League. The now 29-year-old went 2-4 with a 3.53 ERA for Gwinnett, converting nine of 11 save opportunities in 54 relief appearances. The righty will most likely be invited to the 2014 spring training in hopes to make an opening day roster spot.
Buchter, who was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 33rd round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft from Highland Regional High School. The 26-year-old has spent last season and a part of 2012 in Gwinnett. He made 51 appearances out of the bullpen striking out 103 batters in 62 innings, going 4-0 with a 2.76 ERA and five saves in as many chances.
February 22, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Ryan Buchter (78) during spring training against the Detroit Tigers at Disney Wide World of Sports complex, Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports