Atlanta Braves News: Roster cuts, Craig Kimbrel, starting rotation, more

Well Spencer Schwellenbach was absolutely dominant for 6 innings against a Yankees lineup that included Aaron Judge, as he put up 10 strikeouts and only 1 walk in a scoreless outing. With Chris Sale coming off a Cy Young campaign and looking the part, Spencer Schwellenbach looking like a guy who could compete for the award, and Spencer Strider coming back looking like his all-world self in his first spring appearance, the Braves could have the best top 3 arms in baseball if things break right this season. Throw in a potential breakout from top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver, who has had an encouraging spring, and Reynaldo Lopez as a really good fourth or fifth starter, and we could be talking about a truly elite rotation in Atlanta, just like it was last year. Now if only the offense can live up to it’s billing again this year.

Braves News

Well an absolute Braves legend is returning to Atlanta, as Craig Kimbrel brings it full circle. Demetrius took a look at what his role will be like this time, when he isn’t the all-world dominant fireballing closer.

The Braves are approaching their final Opening Day roster, as they are making their final cuts, with Jake Diekman released and Anderson Pilar returned to Miami in the morning, and Christian Cairo returned to Cleveland in the afternoon.

Jurickson Profar is expected to return to the lineup for Thursday’s Spring Training game against the Phillies.

Spencer Schwellenbach looked like a Cy Young candidate against Aaron Judge and the Yankees, while Austin Riley hit an oppo blast in Wednesday’s spring matchup.

MLB News

There has apparently still been interest in trading for Arizona’s Jordan Montgomery quite recently.

The Red Sox optioned former Braves’ top prospect Vaughn Grissom to triple-A. It’s safe to say that trade has worked out in favor of Atlanta at this point.

Former Braves’ prospect Joey Estes has made the back of Oakland’s opening day rotation, as he looks to solidify himself in the majors.