Atlanta Braves Spring Training: Position Battle Updates Through Two Weeks

Now that we are almost halfway through Spring Training and roster cuts are beginning to happen, we see where the Atlanta Braves position battles are. 

It’s been a ho-hum type of Spring Training for the Atlanta Braves. Maybe that’s because of the lack of games being televised.

But it’s mostly because there just aren’t a lot of position battles to watch, no one is really standing out, no one is really concerning us, and most importantly — everyone is staying relatively healthy.

We know who the starters are going to be in the lineup, and we have a pretty good idea of who will be in the starting rotation.

There are always a couple of bullpen spots up for grabs.

Braves Bench Battle 

As we’ve talked about relentlessly, the bench was the only area going into Spring Training where we could see some interesting battles.

Before Spring Training started, the favorites on the bench were Alex Jackson, Johan Camargo, Ender Inciarte, Jason Kipnis, and Jake Lamb.

That’s probably still the most likely scenario; although, I’d argue that Ehire Adrianza (and have here) deserves a bench spot over Camargo at this point.

I also believe William Contreras is a better hitter than AJax, but in the few games I’ve seen of each play this Spring, AJax looks much better defensively behind the plate. But again, that’s hard to judge when the Braves are on TV once or twice a week.

Alan wrote about Sean Kazmar over the weekend who is killing it this Spring.

If Ender isn’t healthy to start the season, then Phillip Ervin looks like the most likely candidate to replace him on the bench.

Braves 5th Starter

This may not be an issue depending on how Brian Snitker chooses to use the rotation early in the season with so many off days. They could go with just four starters for the first week.

And with the way Mike Soroka is progressing, he could be ready by then. But I still think they slow-play his return and wait until May.

Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson have both looked solid in Spring Training and would be the most likely candidates to start in Soroka’s absence. Both will likely start several games for the Braves over the 2021 season.

Braves Bullpen Battle

Will Smith, Chris Martin, A.J. Minter, Tyler Matzek, Jacob Webb, and Josh Tomlin are locked to be in the bullpen.

That leaves either two or three spots still up for grabs.

Luke Jackson probably takes one of those spots, I just still have my doubts about him. But the Braves apparently have a crush on him and will never let him go.

And then there is a good chance Huascar Ynoa gets a spot as I think it’s going to be very valuable — particularly early in the season, but really throughout — to have relievers who can come in and throw multiple innings.

That’s really the way the game is going, and Ynoa is someone who has proven to be really good the first time through a batting order but struggles that second time through.

Grant Dayton, Carl Edwards Jr., and Victor Arano are also battling for one of those final bullpen spots, but neither of them have really stood out this Spring.

Again, it’s been a ho-hum Spring Training for the Braves and there is absolutley nothing wrong with that. But we’ll keep you updated as these position battles progress with us just two weeks away from Opening Day!