The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2 more players sent down to minor camp
The Braves’ roster cutdowns continued Thursday as they optioned outfielder Guillermo Heredia and reassigned infielder Ryan Goins to minor-league camp. Neither player was expected to make the Opening Day roster.
Heredia, 30, is 6-for-25 (.240) in 14 spring games. The Braves claimed him off waivers in February to bolster organizational outfield depth. The Braves signed Goins, 33, to a minor-league deal two weeks ago, and he is 9-for-23 (.391) with five RBIS in 16 games. He gives the Braves another veteran infielder in case of an emergency.
Notes from Thursday: ■ After a rough previous outing, Drew Smyly pitched excellently in his third start. Smyly held the Rays scoreless over five innings, allowing one hit. He struck out six and walked one. The effort previewed why the Braves gave him $11 million for the coming season. When he’s on, the southpaw can dazzle hitters and pile up strikeouts.
“He was efficient and looks ready to go,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He was hitting with everything today.”
The Braves haven’t announced their rotation’s alignment yet, aside from declaring Max Fried the Opening Day starter, but Smyly probably will make his regular-season debut vs. the Nationals in the Braves’ second series of the season.
■ Marcell Ozuna had a two-run homer and a double in the Braves’ 5-2 win. Despite an unspectacular spring, the Braves like where their newly re-signed slugger is. “He’s swinging well,” Snitker said. “He’s having some good extended-pitch at-bats, too. He’s laying off some balls and having some really good at-bats.”
■ Young catcher William Contreras laced a two-run double in the eighth that put the Braves ahead. In the battle for the backup catcher job, Contreras has outplayed Alex Jackson for the majority of spring. The Braves will make their decision in the coming days.
“The kid is maturing and he’s come a long way,” Snitker said. “He did a good job for us last year when we pressed him and Alex into action during that first road trip. He’s maturing and getting better.”
■ Starter Mike Soroka pitched another simulated game Wednesday. The hope remains he can make a lateapril return. Soroka has been working his way back from a torn Achilles that ended his 2020 season after three starts.
■ Bryse Wilson will start today for the fourth time this spring. Barring an unexpected shift, he’ll be the Braves’ fifth starter to open the season. The Braves have five exhibitions remaining.