Happy Birthday For Two Atlanta Braves
By Jeff Schafer
The Atlanta Braves family celebrates two birthdays today as Todd Cunningham and Jonny Venters are each one year older.
Mar 6, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Todd Cunningham (20) singles in the sixth inning for an RBI with the bases loaded as the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 3-2 at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit:
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Cunningham however received maybe the worst birthday present a major league ball player could receive, the pink slip. He was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett this morning after playing in 17 Spring Training games in 2014. Through those games, he had 26 at bats while having a slash line of .192/.214/.423 with two home runs and six RBIs.
The now 25-year-old, will probably open up the season as one of Gwinnett’s outfielders. Last year in Gwinnett, Todd hit .265/.342/.333 with two home runs, 113 hits, 20 stolen bases and 38 RBIs. This season will be the first that he’s not jumped to the next level as he has since 2010.
If an injury happens to one of the Braves, theres probably a good chance Cunningham will get the call back to the majors.
Venters, who is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery has been able to start throwing without pain, and appears to be making progress. Jonny threw off the mound on March 5th for the first time and continues to be on track to join the Braves in late May or June.
The now 29-year-old hasn’t pitched in a major league game since 2012.
Happy Birthday Jonny and Todd!!