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Atlanta Braves Bullpen Begins To Take Shape, Blaine Boyer Cut, Mauricio Cabrera To DL?

By Jeff Schafer

Feb 25, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Mauricio Cabrera (56) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Mauricio Cabrera (56) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta’s Bullpen Looking Clearer

A couple minor moves on Saturday is making the Atlanta Braves bullpen questions more easy to answer.  News out of Braves camp reported this morning that one pitcher was being released and two other righties are possibly heading to the disabled list.

Veteran right-handed pitcher, Blaine Boyer, was released by the Braves on Saturday morning after a pretty bad Spring Training.  In eight appearances in 2017, Boyer had a 10.13 ERA with only five strikeouts and three walks.  The 35-year-old was competing for a bullpen job for the Braves, but will not get that position.

The Braves signed Boyer on January 18, 2017 and many thought he was going to be a reliable candidate for our bullpen this year.  The 35-year-old was competing for a bullpen job for the Braves, but will not get that position.

As you see from the tweet above by the Atlanta Braves, they currently have 36 players in camp.  If you’re wondering about the other random names that you see every now and then, those are players called up from the minor league teams to fill spots.  They are not in position for an opening day job with the Atlanta Braves.

Braves manager Brian Snitker has mentioned multiple times that he would like to have an eight-man bullpen to at least start the season.

Things Are Changing…Quickly

A few days ago, we figured four names would be locked in for the Braves — Jim Johnson, Arodys Vizcaino, Ian Krol and Mauricio Cabrera.

Yesterday we saw Braves beat writer Mark Bowman post on twitter that Cabrera was suffering from elbow soreness and it’s possible he starts the year on the DL.

Cabrera told the media that he had elbow soreness in past that was worse than what he’s going through now, but right now is being cautious so it doesn’t worsen.

More from Braves News

Armando Rivero was the Braves first pick in the Rule 5 draft this past year.  I was expecting big things from him and to be in the Braves bullpen.  He’s been dealing with right shoulder discomfort all spring and hasn’t pitched in a game.

Things happen quickly in baseball, don’t they?

Now the Braves have three names locked in and the rest of the bullpen is still up for grabs.  Though it is getting closer to realizing who’s going to be down in right field.

Braves will most likely keep five of these guys — Joel De La Cruz, Kevin Chapman, Josh Collmenter, Eric O’Flaherty, Jose Ramirez, Paco Rodriguez and Chaz Roe.

Collmenter and EOF are both guys who have showed enough this spring to get a roster spot.  Paco is the lefty everyone wants to see more of.  He’s been sidelined for over a year after having Tommy John Surgery.  Ramirez pitched well with the Atlanta Braves last year and has three years experience already in the majors.

I think the injury to Cabrera immediately helps Cruz and Roe.  The chances of those guy making the team on Opening Day has jumped highly now.

Roe pitched well today and has showed signs of a solid relief pitcher this spring, but has also had some bad innings.  He’s out of options so that could force the Braves hand if they’d like to for-sure keep him in the organization.

Next: The WBC is Over...Can We Fix it for the Next Time?

I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but Joel De La Cruz has really impressed this spring.  In 8.1 innings pitched, he’s giving up only four hits, one run, four walks and has six strikeouts.  Calling it now…the 27-year-old is getting that last spot in the bullpen.

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