Braves option veteran reliever to alternate training site
The Braves demoted veteran relief pitcher Nate Jones on Monday, optioning him to the team’s alternate training site at Gwinnett.
Jones, a 35-year-old right-hander who made the team as a non-roster invitee in spring training, had appeared in 12 regular-season games for the Braves, posting a 0-2 record and a 3.48 ERA. He allowed six runs (four earned), eight hits (three home runs) and 10 walks (four intentional) in 10-1/3 innings. Four of nine inherited runners scored against him.
The Braves didn’t announce a corresponding addition to the 26-man active roster Monday. They were down a position player on the bench over the weekend after adding an extra reliever for the series against Toronto.
Other roster moves also loom. Manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that right-handed reliever Chris Martin, sidelined since April 4 with shoulder inflammation, is expected to return from the injured list “sooner than later” and that starting pitcher Max Fried, sidelined since April 13 with a hamstring strain, will come off the IL to start Wednesday’s game at Washington.
About the Author
Tim Tucker, a long-time AJC sports reporter, often writes about the business side of the games. He also had stints as the AJC's Braves beat writer, UGA beat writer, sports notes columnist and executive sports editor. He was deputy managing editor of America's first all-sports newspaper, The National Sports Daily.
