Braves leaning toward seven-man bullpen,

The Braves are leaning toward starting the season with a seven-man bullpen instead of eight, and they could use the additional roster spot to add a hitter to their bench via trade, free agency or waiver claim before Sunday’s noon deadline to finalize opening day rosters.

When left-hander Kevin Chapman cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, the race for the final bullpen spot was ostensibly narrowed to two right-handers, Chaz Roe and veteran newcomer David Hernandez, who signed a minor league deal last weekend. Roe is on the 40-man roster and out of minor league options, meaning he can’t be sent down without clearing waivers.

The Braves have six bullpen spots that seem certain: closer Jim Johnson, Arodys Vizcaino, Jose Ramirez, Josh Collmenter and lefties Eric O’Flaherty and Ian Krol. Going with seven relievers instead of eight doesn’t seem risky considering there are two days off in the schedule during the first eight days of the season and three days off in the first 11.

“(Chapman) will be in the mix at Triple-A,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said before Friday night’s exhibition game against the Yankees to open SunTrust Park. “Probably right now we’re leaning toward seven, until we need (an extra reliever). With the off days, I kind of felt like maybe that would be better. But that could change. There’s still guys on waivers and potential trades and all that kind of stuff. But right now it kind of looks like we’re just going to go with seven.”

As things stand, the Braves’ projected bench is one of the lightest-hitting units the team has had in recent memory, with infielder-outfielder Emilio Bonifacio, infielders Jace Peterson and Chase d’Arnaud (both can also play some outfield) and catcher Kurt Suzuki.

Players like new home: SunTrust Park’s luxury features, locker room space and ambience won’t help the Braves win games, but they do create an atmosphere in which players can relax and get ready.

“The working conditions for these guys is really good,” Snitker said. “As much time as they spend here and it’s comfortable, it’s spacious. The cages are really neat. The weight room is huge. They have everything they need to prepare, which is the way it should be.”

The batting cages and weight room earned high marks from players after those areas were cramped at Turner Field. But it was the home clubhouse that got the most rave reviews.

“They made it to where you want to come to the ballpark early and hang out with your teammates,” left fielder Matt Kemp said. “It’s comfortable.”

Second baseman Brandon Phillips said the clubhouse includes sleeping areas for players and a sauna. He said he’s never before seen a clubhouse with so much space that a pool table fits in the middle of the room.

“Everything (is) in there you can think of,” he said. “It’s like a kid in the candy store. I hope we don’t get real comfortable in the clubhouse and can keep our focus on the field.”