Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Rosterationing, New Chip on the Block

Jun 25, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Brandon Cunniff (50) throws to the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 7 – 0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves Designate Two for Assignment This Week To Make Space for Vets

Gordon Beckham and Emilio Bonifacio are now officially on the Braves’ 40-man roster.  The count of names on that list now stands at the maximum of 40.  But to make space for this pair, two others had to be bumped and exposed to waivers.

Dian Toscano and Brandon Cunniff were the victims.  Toscano was no real surprise:  thus far, the Braves have no t gotten anything back for the contract he signed with the club a year ago (through no fault of his own, I should quickly add).  If another club should want to snatch him away, they would become responsible for the $4 million guarantee remaining on his pact over the next 3 seasons.  Given those numbers, you might see that happen before Christmas as it’s a relatively cheap dice roll… even coming with an option year for 2019 that would increase the guarantee to $5.3 million – spread between now and then.

I admit being a little surprised that Cunniff was designated.  I would have expected Daniel Castro to be the one to get that nod.  Both still have options remaining, and because of the 25-man roster’s look, I expect both to start the 2016 season in AAA.  However, pitchers tend to get claimed – light-hitting utility infielders do not.  The Braves may find themselves lucky to retain Cunniff through the waiver period – which will last through Christmas weekend.

Next: Things Suddenly Started Looking a Bit More Chipper Yesterday