As we've reached the final tune-up process for the start of the Atlanta Braves' 60-game season sprint, this week presents a final chance for some Braves to impress.
While the addition of Freddie Freeman & Touki Touissant gives the Braves some clarity going forward, the inability to sign Yasiel Puig due to a positive COVID-19 test throws a wrench into Atlanta's outfield depth.
It appears despite Freeman's return, journeyman first baseman Yonder Alonso will break camp with the club as insurance for the position, which was a surprise to Joe Patrick of the Batter Up! Podcast.
"I don't know why they would add him to the 40-man roster if they didn't plan to carry him on the opening day roster," Patrick said. "Even if Freddie wasn't there, I would not have thought they would have signed him. I would've expected Austin Riley or some other player to play first base until Freddie got back."
Caleb Johnson believes a fan favorite becomes a lock to make the squad after the loss of Puig.
"Charlie Culberson would have been the odd man out, and when everyone was poo-pooing on Yasiel Puig, [Culberson] comes to [Puig's] defense," said Johnson, noting the ironic karma that exists between the two players.
While the pitching staff is nearly set, there's a pool of pitchers jockeying to not only work their way onto the big league roster, but also potentially stick once the roster contracts to 26 players.
"Jacob Webb was sneaky good last year, before the elbow issue," Johnson said. "I would lean towards Webb, he had a good spring before everything shut down."
Patrick offered Webb as a suggestion as well, but said AJ Minter "if he gets right, has the highest potential" among the Braves pitchers with the greatest uncertainty around them.
Will Palaszczuk went off the board and suggested a different pitcher.
"Patrick Weigel has some of the best numbers of guys in that pool. His ERA was below three last year. He's done enough to earn look, even though he's not ahead of other guys because of his lack of big league experience."
The Braves play two exhibition games against the Marlins Tuesday night (7:10 PM) & Wednesday afternoon (4:10PM) before opening with the Mets on Friday night (7:10 PM).
To download the Batter Up! Podcast, click here, or press play below to listen to the latest episode:
