Spring Training has brought both preparation and problems for the Atlanta Braves. The club was hit early with concerning injury updates, as Spencer Schwellenbach is expected to miss significant time, while reliever Joe Jiménez could be sidelined for the entire season once again. Those developments have complicated Atlanta’s roster planning particularly on the pitching side.
With Schwellenbach unavailable, the Braves suddenly find themselves scrambling to identify a fifth starter. There had been speculation that veteran Chris Bassitt could fill that role, but he ultimately signed elsewhere, leaving Atlanta to sort through internal options for the final rotation spot.
Before Schwellenbach’s injury status became clear, Braves insider Mark Bowman released his first Opening Day roster prediction and it included two intriguing bullpen projections: Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder.
Catchers and Position Players Largely Set
Behind the plate, Bowman projected Drake Baldwin and Sandy León as the primary catching tandem. Baldwin is looking to build on a strong rookie campaign, while León offers veteran stability and depth. However, recent acquisition Jonah Heim could complicate matters. His switch-hitting ability and experience may give him a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot.
The infield appears stable, anchored by Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Mauricio Dubón, and Austin Riley. Though Ha-Seong Kim would have added another dynamic element, Dubón is expected to play a key role. Jorge Mateo and Kyle Farmer provide depth, and the unit should be reliable if health cooperates.
The outfield presents few surprises. A mix of Mike Yastrzemski, Jurickson Profar, Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Eli White offers versatility. Profar is expected to begin the season as the designated hitter, with Yastrzemski handling left field duties. Once Sean Murphy returns from injury, the alignment could shift, allowing Profar to see more time defensively.
Rotation Questions and Bullpen Curveballs
The biggest intrigue lies on the mound. With Schwellenbach and Bassitt no longer options, reports indicate the Braves’ top four starters will likely consist of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Grant Holmes. However, both Holmes and López carry recent injury histories, making the stability of the rotation uncertain.
That leaves a competition for the fifth starter role, with Bryce Elder, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz among the candidates. Elder, notably, is out of minor league options, which increases the likelihood that he either secures a rotation spot or shifts into the bullpen.
Bowman’s original bullpen projection featured Robert Suárez and Raisel Iglesias at the back end, supported by Tyler Kinley, Dylan Lee, Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps along with Holmes and Elder. However, with Holmes now trending toward the rotation, Atlanta may need to rework those plans and fill additional bullpen vacancies.
Waldrep and Wentz present alternative solutions. Waldrep, still viewed as a long-term starter, could begin the year in Triple-A to continue his development. Wentz, meanwhile, has prior experience in relief and may be a practical fit in a long-relief role.
Injuries have undoubtedly reshaped the Braves’ roster outlook and made what once seemed straightforward far more complicated. As Opening Day approaches, Atlanta’s ability to adapt particularly in the bullpen will be critical in stabilizing the pitching staff and weathering early-season uncertainty.
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