Avery in Braves camp as special instructor

LAKELAND, Fla. — Former pitcher Steve Avery began his stint as special instructor in Braves camp on Thursday, joining Gene Garber, the former reliever who arrived earlier in the week. Both will stay through March 6.

The rest of the Braves’ special-instructor lineup includes Ryan Klesko (March 10-16) and three former players whose Braves numbers have been retired: Dale Murphy (March 8-15) and baseball Hall of Famers Tom Glavine (March 21-25) and Phil Niekro (dates to be announced). Javy Lopez already completed his special-instructor stint.